There are often many issues surrounding a public problem or concern. The terms public issue and public policy can be defined in several ways. As more people become involved, community leaders, elected officials, and interested citizens become aware of the concern. Discussion clarifies and defines the problem or opportunity . The issue emerges as different ideas about what could be done are developed.
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.