Public Policy Overview

Public policies can be categorized based on their scope and orientation. They can be general or specific, targeting a wide or narrow range of issues. Public policies can also be broad in scope, encompassing a wide range of aspects, or narrow, focusing on specific details. Moreover, they can be positive, aiming to create or promote something, or negative, aiming to restrict or prohibit something. Finally, public policies can be seen as rational, based on logical reasoning and evidence, or irrational, driven by emotional factors or biases.

Distributive public policy focuses on allocating resources or benefits to specific groups or individuals. It primarily aims to distribute societal wealth and resources in a structured and often regulated manner.

Distributive public policy can be influenced by political patronage, where favors and benefits are exchanged for support or loyalty.

A policy's focus and nature can vary depending on the intended goals and the targeted groups. Some policies might aim to address broader societal issues, while others might target specific segments of the population or sectors.

Public policy can encompass a wide range of issues, from broad principles like economic development to narrow details like traffic regulations. The breadth of a policy determines its scope and the level of detail involved.