In a nation as great as the United States, government policy is the framework that guides the country’s many endeavors and aims. Public policies are influenced by a wide range of factors that include political ideologies, prevailing economic conditions and the structure of government. This article explores these facets to provide insight into the complex process of crafting policy.
The first step in the policymaking process involves identifying and prioritizing the most pressing issues for policymakers to address. This is known as agenda setting and is a major factor that influences the development of effective policies.
Governments must also take into consideration national interests, international affairs, and the need to regulate activities within and beyond borders. These considerations must be balanced with the responsibilities of providing a high level of service to citizens.
Policymakers must also recognize that they can make positive impacts on society through the enactment of laws and regulations that impact people’s lives. Often, these policies are created in response to social movements that are clamoring for change. When these movements align with the direction of the government, they can produce successful outcomes.
Many of the most significant federal endeavors aimed to improve the quality of life for Americans through a mix of spending and regulatory strategies. Some of these efforts included providing health care to seniors, supporting housing ownership and stabilizing agricultural prices. Others incorporated the establishment of paths to citizenship, criminal rehabilitation programs and scientific research funding.
About the Author
