Who makes public Policy?
Government (federal, state, local)
Public policy is made by a variety of actors and institutions at different levels of government and outside of government. Here are some of the key actors involved in the making of public policy:
1. Elected officials – Federal, state, and local officials are responsible for enacting policies and making decisions that affect the public. This includes the president, governors, legislators, and local council members.
2. Government agencies – Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Education, and the Federal Communications Commission have the authority to implement and enforce policies in their specific areas of responsibility.
3. Interest groups – Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Rifle Association, and labor unions are examples of interest groups that may lobby elected officials or government agencies to advocate for specific policies.
4. Think tanks – Policy experts and scholars at think tanks such as the Brookings Institution, the Heritage Foundation, and the Cato Institute often provide research and analysis to policymakers to help inform their decisions.
5. Courts – The judicial branch of government may interpret and enforce laws and policies, and may strike down policies that are found to be unconstitutional.
Overall, the making of public policy involves a complex interaction of actors and institutions, including elected officials, government agencies, interest groups, think tanks, and courts.