Unit 01: Introduction

Question 1

Define Public Policy:

Answer 1

The governments’ action or in-action which is influenced and affected by public issues. In its purest form it should be a system of problem solving.

-Can take the form of: legislation, law, and act, a budget, a commission, report or as stated no action at all.

Question 2

What is Public Policy Discourse?

Answer 2

The conversations being had by the public, governments and institutions/corporations regarding the problems at hand as well as their potential solutions.

• Tapestry of words, symbols, structures of thinking, perspectives, stakes and agendas.

Question 3

What is Political Agenda?

Answer 3

The way that Public Policy Discourse is manipulated by policy makers. It defines what is relevant in public life, how issues are understood, whose views should be taken seriously and what “solutions” are “possible”.

Question 4

What is Public Administration?

Answer 4

The implementation of government policy; the employees working in public service.

Question 5

What are the instruments of Public Policy?

Answer 5

The means by which problems are solved and policy is formed.

• Carrots (incentives) and sticks (limitations/prohibitions)
• Subsidies and compensations VS taxation, laws and regulations