What is public policy?

Public policy refers to a course of action taken by a government to address specific issues or problems within society. This encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including regulations, laws, and programs that are designed to guide the behavior of individuals and organizations while promoting the welfare of the public. The process often involves identifying societal problems, formulating plans, and implementing solutions that reflect the values and priorities of the community.

In contrast, established religion, while it may influence certain policies, does not represent the broader concept of public policy in its entirety. A collection of laws is related but is not comprehensive in capturing the strategic decisions made by governments; laws can be a part of public policy, but public policy itself is more about the strategic approach rather than merely a list of laws. Similarly, a method of tax collection is a specific aspect of fiscal policy, which is only one component of the larger category of public policy.