A depiction of how citizens are affected by and influence policy
From G.C. Edwards, M.P. Wattenberg, & R.L. Lineberry (2006). Government in America: People, poltics, and policy. New York: Pearson Education. (p. 12)
There are many reasons why it is important to understand the process and content of public policy. The major one is the pervasive impact of policy on our lives. “The outcome of the political process is a set of policies that affects the lives of citizens, often in very profound ways” (Peters, 2004, p. 15). When we fasten our seat belts in a car, sort our trash, pack a carry-on bag for a trip, and take prescription medication, our activities and options are the result of public policy which we typically do not consider.
Another reason is that careers involve considerable interaction with policy, which is carried out by both public and private actors (Birkland, 2001). Currently, one person in six is employed in government (Peters, 2004). Many government policies are implemented by corporate entities or private citizens, and the role of the private sector in delivering public policy is becoming increasingly important. Non-governmental organizations develop their own policies, so that it benefits all to become familiar with the policy-making process. Policy-making roles (in and outside of government) are very important ones.
Additionally, (public) policy is at the core of the political process and is influenceable in a democracy by its citizens. However, people are often even unaware of the potential for citizens to impact public policy. “The size and complexity of modern government make it necessary to understand what public policies are, how those policies are made and changed, and how to evaluate the effectiveness and morality of policies.” (Peters, 2004, p. 3). Figure 1 depicts how citizens are both affected by and influence policy.
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