Public issues are controversial because different groups of people are affected in different ways. Even when a goal is agreed upon, different ways of reaching the goal or financing the outcome may be favored by different individuals or groups. An advantage or benefit for some may be a disadvantage or cost for others. For example, the problem may be the high adult illiteracy rate in a community. The policy options might include adult reading programs, parent education classes, or school efforts to reduce dropouts.
Public policy consists of statements or principles underlying government action.
Policy is expressed in local, state, and federal government action as legislation, resolutions, programs, regulations, appropriations, administrative practices, and court decisions. Less formally, policy also includes customs and traditional ways of doing things. Getting Started Citizen participation means that individuals exercise their freedom of choice to decide when, where, and how to become involved in community decision- making. This choice is fundamental to a democratic society. Individuals participate when they have reasons that are important to them.