a policy is defined as a relatively stable, purposive course of action followed by an actor or set of actors

in dealing with a problem or matter of concern. This definition focuses on what is actually done instead
of what is only proposed or intended; differentiates a policy from a decision, which is essentially a
specific choice among alternatives; and views policy as something that unfolds over time.

Public policies are those developed by governmental bodies and officials.

Public policy is the means by which a government maintains order or addresses the needs of its
citizens through actions defined by its constitution. If this definition sounds vague or confusing, it's
likely because a public policy is generally not a tangible thing but rather is a term used to describe a
collection of laws, mandates, or regulations established through a political process.

In the United States, for example, there have been recent changes to the health care system that
now require every citizen to have health insurance. After a series of debates, evaluations, and
analysis, the federal government arrived at the conclusion that this would be in the best interest of
citizens and began crafting bills, insurance mandates, and other pieces of legislation to establish a
system for how Americans receive health care treatment. Through this legal and political process,
they have created a new public policy, which contains several different parts in order for it to serve
its purpose.

Public policy is a goal-directed course of action, taken by government, to deal with

a public problem. Governments use public policy to solve a social problem
(housing, welfare), to counter a threat (crime, illegal drugs), or to pursue an
objective (revenue generation). Public policy, then, is a choice made by official
government bodies and agencies that affect the public interest. Public
policymaking involves a series of activities that leads ultimately to a policy
decision and the application of that decision.

There are three major types of public policy: regulatory policy, distributive policy,
and redistributive policy. Each type has its own special purpose.

Regulatory Public Policy

A major goal of regulatory policy is to maintain order and prohibit behaviors that
endanger society. Government accomplishes this goal by restricting citizens,
groups, or corporations from engaging in those actions that negatively affect the
political and social order. Examples include attempts to administer voting
procedures, provide traffic ordinances, and prohibit people from using certain
drugs. Another goal of regulatory policy is to protect economic activities and
business markets by prohibiting industry from practicing activities detrimental to
 the free market, such as the creation of monopolies. Regulatory policy is also
evident in the use of laws designed to protect the workplace and the environment.

Distributive Public Policy

Distributive policy refers to the provision of benefits to citizens, groups, or

corporations. Governments also use distributive policy to encourage certain
activities. Tax abatements and farm subsidies to promote economic development,
and tax write-offs for homeowners to promote the housing industry, are good
examples. Distributive policy is also evident when the government promotes the
purchase of U.S. savings bonds.

Redistributive Public Policy

The major purpose of redistributive policy is to promote equality. The government

redistributes societal wealth from one group to another group. This occurs when
the government provides benefits directly to citizens through social programs such
as welfare. Progressive taxation, where tax rates increase as your income
increases, is another example of a redistributive policy.

Public policies essentially capture the intentions of the government. Without a policy there can be no
governance. To govern there must be a set of guidelines. Policies provide those guidelines. Policies
enable the public to measure the achievements of the government. If there is a public policy it can be
critiqued and government can be pulled up for not implementing its policies.