To keep the world running smoothly, each country must be governed by a local authority designed to keep the peace and ensure citizens’ health and well-being. Without this kind of direct support, most countries would struggle to function (something we see in certain countries currently struggling with establishing an effective government). In the United States of America, the governing body creates policies and enforces rules based on several factors. Each of them plays a crucial role in shaping the policies created and the way they impact the country. It is advantageous to explore some of the major factors that influence policy formulation and decision-making in government affairs.
Economy
Economic considerations are one of the main drivers of policy formation and change. Some of the factors that influence policy include:
- GDP growth
- Inflation
- Fiscal deficits
- Unemployment rates
The goal of the US government is to help citizens prosper economically. As a result, they keep a close eye on factors that influence policy and use them as measures to determine how a particular policy is working and whether it should be repealed or changed. Above all else, maintaining a stable economy that encourages healthy spending and earning is a top priority around which policies, even in completely different industries, are formed.
Public voice
Not all countries consider public opinion an important element of decision-making in the government, but the US does. As such, the results of elections, public opinion polls, and protests, among other forms of civic engagement, play an important role in policy formation. Ignoring public trust often leads to contempt and disdain for local and federal authorities, making it much more difficult to enforce rules and keep the peace. For this reason, public demands and sentiments often rank just as highly as economic factors where policy creation is concerned.
Political groups and activities
Another area of consideration for government decision-makers is political activity. Groups like No Labels are a great example of political activity that impacts policy formation and enforcement. They monitor political happenings and strive to act in the interests of their bipartisan followers to secure the most advantageous legislative decisions possible. There are thousands of political activist groups in the US that focus on specific aspects of society to effect permanent change within their sector.
The work of political groups and the public’s reaction to the cause play an important role in formulating policies and crafting enforcement measures.
Advancements in various sectors
Advancements in certain sectors can influence government policies significantly. Changes in industries such as health, environmental science, education, technology, and sports all have a profound impact on decision-making and policy creation. Developments in the health industry allowing patients to seek care remotely, for example, might necessitate new policies to expand this option to patients and safely expand the reach of healthcare to patients in rural areas. Technological advancements often require regulation, too, to ensure that consumers’ private information is kept safe and to guarantee ethical use.
Policies must adapt to societal needs as they arise and evolve to remain effective and relevant.
Legal frameworks
Legal frameworks make policy creation and enforcement possible. Not all policies are legal, and not all legal policies can be lawfully or effectively executed. This is where an understanding of the legal frameworks, institutional capacities, and constitution provisions came in. All the above must be used to shape the policies being formed or the decisions being made to ensure that the final product is lawful.
A policy demanding hospitals to report any patients who receive a particular procedure, for example, would likely be illegal thanks to the many laws in place designed to preserve patient anonymity and privacy. Such a policy would not be enforceable, nor would any reputable healthcare institution try. Policies must align with legal requirements and be enforced by the proper institutions to be lawful.
Various factors influencing government policies
Many factors influence the creation and enforcement of policies and other government decision-making. From the public perception of a particular law to its impact on the economy, there is a lot to keep in mind. It is important for citizens to use their knowledge of government policy for good by getting involved in local institutions and pushing for change!
