public policy

American  

[puhb-lik pol-uh-see] / ˈpʌb lɪk ˈpɒl ə si /

noun

1. 1. the body of laws and other measures that affect the general public.

      These officeholders are creating public policy on important issues including affordable housing and the environment.

   2. the underlying principles, values, or objectives that inform these laws and other measures: In a secular state, no religion can become the basis of public policy.

      The Institute participates in shaping public debate and public policy through inquiry and dialogue.

      In a secular state, no religion can become the basis of public policy.

2. Law. the principle that injury to the public good or public order constitutes a basis for declaring an act or transaction illegal or invalid.

   The principle of public policy requires that we judge the tendency of the contract at the time when it was entered into.

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Etymology

Origin of public policy

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Most of the remaining exports are essential raw materials that the U.S. can’t readily replace, adds Martha Hall Findlay, director of the university’s school of public policy.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

The plan also involves giving residents a say in shaping their high streets through citizen assemblies, which involve bringing groups of people together to debate public policy issues and make recommendations.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

With Trump in the White House, 2026 is a difficult year to mount a right-wing populist campaign for California governor, said Christian Grose, a professor of political science and public policy at USC.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

“Affordability is a growing challenge for this population,” said Alan Weil, AARP’s senior vice president of public policy.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

The investigative journalist Jonathan Kwitny later argued that the case was “a fine example of what can happen when important matters of public policy are abandoned by government to the self-interest of corporations.”

From "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" by Eric Schlosser