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TOPIC 1: UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC POLICY Definition of Public Policy Public policy refers to what the government chooses to do or not to do in addressing public problems. • It includes laws, regulations, decisions, and actions. • It addresses societal issues such as: o Poverty o Unemployment o Health services o Education Another meaning: Public policy is the “authoritative allocation of values” — meaning the government decides: • Who gets what • When • Where • How Nature of Public Polic