Public policy: Practice and impact

In this unit, you will examine the factors that shape public policy outcomes and the consequences (both deliberate and unintended) that result from particular policy choices. The unit focuses principally on liberal democracies and is divided into three sections. You will trace the theoretical and normative debates associated with the state in the policy making process, including an examination of the evolution of the state. You will also explore the institutions and actors that are central to the policy making process, as well as investigate a number of key policy areas.