The concrete actions governments take to address collective problems are public policies. They include laws, regulations, spending programs, and official practices across domains such as health, education, environment, and security.

Policy-making involves agenda setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation. Multiple actors—elected officials, bureaucrats, experts, interest groups, and citizens—participate at different stages. Evidence and values both shape choices; political feasibility often limits what is attempted.

Comparative public policy examines why jurisdictions facing similar problems adopt different solutions. Policy feedback occurs when existing programs create constituencies that defend them. Successful policies solve or mitigate problems without generating larger new ones; many policies fall short of that standard and require continuous adjustment.

• Government actions addressing public problems
• Spans laws, programs, and regulations
• Shaped by evidence, values, and politics
• Requires implementation and evaluation