Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Policies are formal guidelines, rules, or principles established by governments, organizations, or institutions to guide decision-making and actions. They provide frameworks for addressing specific issues and achieving desired outcomes.
Related terms
Legislation: Legislation refers to laws enacted by legislative bodies that have legal binding power.
Regulations: Regulations are specific rules derived from legislation that provide detailed guidance on how policies should be implemented and enforced.
Public Opinion: Public opinion refers to the collective views, attitudes, and beliefs of the general public on a particular issue or topic, which can influence policy-making.