How do policy and politics differ?

The distinction between policy and politics is best understood through the lens of the legislative process. Policies refer to the specific laws or rules established by a governing body to guide decision-making and achieve certain goals. For example, environmental policies may regulate emissions to protect natural resources.

On the other hand, politics encompasses the broader process through which these laws are created, debated, and implemented. It involves negotiation, advocacy, and the influence of various stakeholders, including individuals, interest groups, and political parties. Politics can shape the creation of policies based on public opinion, power dynamics, and the interests of different constituencies.

This understanding highlights how policies are the outcomes of political processes, which can vary by context and time. The clarity of this relationship illustrates the role of politics in shaping and defining policy, emphasizing how policies are a result of political action rather than existing independently.