Final answer:
Public policy involves strategies governments use to address societal concerns, influenced by various stakeholders on different levels. Diverse opinions and interests shape policy making, particularly concerning issues that directly affect the public such as economic policies or civil liberties. Political parties, interest groups, media, and individuals all play critical roles in its development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public policy can be defined as the broad strategy that the government uses to address the concerns of a large segment of society. It involves different points of view that influence its development on local, state, national, and international levels. There are several contexts in which public policy is made, each impacted by the roles of political parties, interest groups, the media, and individuals.
Some policies may be enacted with minimal public input, especially if they fall in line with existing allocations of money or policies. However, policies impacting personal economics or those related to civil liberties can spark public debate and require public involvement. The complexity of public policy development is due to the interplay of various interests, the need for debate and compromise, and the influence of different stakeholders such as political parties, interest groups, the media, and individual citizens.
Examples of public policy issues include the legalization of marijuana, the decriminalization of drug offenses, and the proposition of free college in exchange for years of service. Diverse opinions and beliefs of citizens play a crucial role in the process, shaping the directions in which policies develop and the extent to which they are accepted by society.