Unit 6: Public Policy

public policy

the course of action the government takes in response to an issue or problem

Administrative Law

The body of law created by administrative agencies (in the form of rules, regulations, orders, and decisions) in order to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

Domestic Policy

administrative decisions that are directly related to all issues and activity within a nation's borders

Foreign Policy

a government's strategy and plan in dealing with other nations

distributive policy

A public policy such as Social Security that provides benefits to all groups in society.

Regulatory Policy

Focuses on maintaining social order by outlawing behaviors and actions that endanger the public. This is typically accomplished by enacting laws and policies banning individuals, companies, and other parties from taking actions that might endanger social order.

Diplomacy

The practice of conducting negotiations between countries

ambassador

an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.

Allies

Another county or group who are "friends" with one another and often promise support to one another.

Treaties

a formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries.

trade agreement

agreement by a group of countries to promote trade among them

Economic Aid

Assistance to other countries designed to help the recipient's economy.

humanitarian aid

Foreign aid extended in regions where there are emergencies caused by violent conflicts or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, intended to save lives, ensure access to basic necessities and provide assistance with reconstruction.

Military Aid

aid given to a country that directly enhances its military capability

economic sanctions

Boycotts, embargoes, and other economic measures that one country uses to pressure another country into changing its policies.

Deterence

any use of threats (implicit or explicit) or limited force intended to dissuade an actor from taking an action

negotiation

A form of communication between opposing sides in a conflict in which offers and counteroffers are made and a solution occurs only when both parties agree

special interest groups

an organization of people with some common interest who try to influence government decisions

Lobbying

Engaging in activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and the policies they enact.

indirect lobbying

attempts to influence government policymakers by encouraging the general public to put pressure on them

public interest groups

groups that lobby for policies that impact all of American society; for example, MADD or Mother Against Drunk Driving lobby for policies that prevent and punish drunk driving-an issue impacting all Americans.

private interest groups

groups that lobby for specific set of policies that only benefit a small segment of society; for example, the oil industry lobbies for policies that benefit their business not all of America.

Manufactured outrage

Falsified/invented righteous outrage, drummed up to attack a cause/ individual or group (or to get attention, increase ratings, or solidify "groupthink"/mob mentality)