Final answer:
The principle of open opportunity refers to providing equal access and tools for success without guaranteeing specific outcomes, whereas guaranteeing success would ensure a certain level of achievement for everyone. Public policy initiatives aim to create opportunities, particularly for those at a disadvantage, but individual success ultimately depends on each person's efforts and talents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of open opportunity differs from guaranteeing success to everyone in that it provides a foundation for individuals to pursue their goals, but does not promise specific results. Open opportunity ensures that everyone has access to the tools necessary to succeed, such as education and the freedom to pursue various career paths, without barriers such as discrimination or undue governmental restriction.
On the other hand, guaranteeing success could imply that every person will achieve a certain level of success regardless of their choices or the effort they put in, which is not how open opportunity functions. Public policy initiatives may attempt to level the playing field, so to speak, by offering support to those starting at a disadvantage, but how far individuals go on this ladder depends on their individual efforts, talents, and circumstances.
This concept is vital in a market economy where success often depends on competition and personal initiative. While the government can support economic growth and personal advancement through policy experiments, it recognizes that some initiatives will be more successful than others in promoting open opportunities.