Public policy is the management of government services for the public good. Traditional issues include health, welfare, police, fire, transportation, and taxation. Modern issues include technology, energy, and the environment. Public policy is an academic field with advanced degrees available. Special interests lobby lawmakers for beneficial legislation while concerned citizens can use the internet to create grassroots movements.
One of the guiding principles of government is to provide for the public good, often by offering services which, due to scale or cost, cannot be manifested privately or individually. The administration and management of these services is generally referred to as public policy. There are a number of public policy issues that are traditionally more important and controversial than others.
Some of the oldest and most timeless public policy issues include public health, public welfare, police and fire, and transportation. Early civilizations, such as those in Greece, Rome and the Middle East, grappled with the provision of public services, such as providing fresh water and building roads. These ancient communities not only had to deal with the logistics of providing such services, they also had to reach a consensus on how to pay for them. This has generally been accomplished through taxation.
Other public policy issues have evolved over time. Since the Victorian era, there has been a growing public demand for sanitation, communication infrastructure, mass transit, and many other services that have been created as a result of technology. Another growing problem in the 21st century is environmentalism and conservation, particularly with regards to energy.
In modern times, public policy has evolved into an academic and professional field, for which a number of advanced degrees are available. Those studying public policy issues at the graduate level can earn master’s and doctoral degrees in the field. They can then pursue a number of different careers. There is also a professional association for those involved in public policy, known as the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Public policy issues are simply not the province of publicly elected officials. As more money and other resources are devoted to government spending, so-called special interests — ranging from non-profit charities to groups in the private sector — pressure lawmakers to pass legislation beneficial to their causes. Other lobbyists also exist to try to curb government spending and lower taxes.
With the proliferation of the Internet and its various forms of instantaneous communication, involvement in public policy matters has become increasingly democratised. Concerned citizens can access many of the same data sources as lawmakers and lobbyists and create grassroots movements for or against any issue they feel strongly about. Where public policy debate was once confined to only the ruling class, it is now virtually possible for anyone with an opinion to step in and help shape the outcome.
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