The roles public policy and the law play

Full Answer Section

• Public Policy: Sets the goals and overall direction for how a society will function. It's like a roadmap outlining desired outcomes in areas like education, healthcare, or the environment. Policymakers like legislators consider public needs and resources to create these plans.
• The Law: Translates public policy into concrete rules and regulations. Laws are enforceable actions that guide behavior and hold people accountable. The legal system interprets and applies these laws to specific situations.

Think of it this way: Public policy is the "why" and the law is the "how." Public policy establishes the objectives, and the law provides the mechanisms to achieve them. They work together to shape a society that functions according to shared values and goals.

Sample Answer

Public policy and the law work together to create a structured society:

• Public Policy: Sets the goals and overall direction for how a society will function. It's like a roadmap outlining desired outcomes in areas like education, healthcare, or the environment. Policymakers like legislators consider public needs and resources to create these plans.