In any society, governmental entities enact laws, make policies, and allocate resources. This is true at all levels. Public policy can be generally defined as a system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities concerning a given topic promulgated by a governmental entity or its representatives.

Individuals and groups often attempt to shape public policy through education, advocacy, or mobilization of interest groups. Shaping public policy is obviously different in Western-style democracies than in other forms of government. But it is reasonable to assume that the process always involves efforts by competing interest groups to influence policy makers in their favor.

A major aspect of public policy is law. In a general sense, the law includes specific legislation and more broadly defined provisions of constitutional or international law. There are many ways that the law can influence ...[supply your issue here]. Likewise, legislation identifies areas in which research grants can be funded and often determines the amount of funding allocated. Thus, it is not surprising that public policy debates occur over proposed legislation and funding.

In this context, advocacy can be defined as attempting to influence public policy through education, lobbying, or political pressure. Advocacy groups often attempt to educate the general public as well as public policy makers about the nature of problems, what legislation is needed to address problems, and the funding required to provide services or conduct research. (Dean G. Kilpatrick, Ph.D. National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina)

Public Policy and Public Issues: What Is Public Policy - from VLCT

Reaching Consensus
In today's political climate, perhaps the most important lessons that we can hope to teach our students is in how to build and reach consensus from diverse viewpoints. Visit the Policy Consensus Initiative for ideas in teaching consensus building. Read the transcript (pdf) from Abby White's presentation (jpg) to an 8th grade group in March 2004. She provided a training on consensus building. (Abby is associated with the National Policy Consensus Center.)

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