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How is public policy grounded in the study of politics? What do you think the term politics means in this context? Do you think it would be possible to make public policy without politics?
Given that politics is the study of who gets what, when they get it and how they get it, and that public policy is the process of solving problems that are in the public interest or at least in the public sphere, politics are inextricably linked. Politics allows for the balancing of varying public interests in order to enact the best possible policy. No person is affected the same way in the implementation of policy. Given this, politics seeks to mitigate the harms or burden on some while providing benefit and assistance to others. Politics allows for multiple views to be heard.
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Is there a real difference between playing politics and just the general political process of argument negotiation and compromise? Why do people think so negatively of politics given that this is the process by which we address public problems?
"Playing at politics" and the political process are different. I see the two as the intention behind the way in which the politician, appointed official, or administrative employee seeks to implement policy. Although neutral policy development and implementation are technically impossible, it matters if the public servant is acting in the public interest or in self-interest. Historical and contemporary abuses of power in government have led to the understanding of playing politics as a derisive method for getting what you want. When the political process is exploited in self-interest that is when the political process becomes "playing politics" when "winning" becomes more important than consensus. Although there is a certain level of give-and-take that is a necessary part of the policy process, given the varied interests and views of the public, but done in the open with clear intentions mitigates the seedy aftertaste of politics in the mouths of the public.
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Discuss the study of public policy. Are there other disciplines that aren't mentioned here that contribute to the study of public policy? How do scientists, engineers, doctors, social workers contribute to public policy?
All professions are at some point in time influeced by or have the power to influence the public policy process. Doctors advocating for a new drug treatment to be reprioritized for analysis by the FDA may seek to advocate for space in the agenda to promote their findings and benefits of the drug treatment. Social workers may have insight into the fefasibility of a prevention program for youth involved in street gangs. The professional knowledge in each of these fields can provide important information on a topic in their field on which policy may be implemented. Politicians are generalists, pergaps lawyers, they know enough to be dangerous, but the input from specialists is invaluable to the public interest.
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Compare policy analysis to policy process. How are they similar and different.
The policy process are all the steps in the development, execution, implementation and evaluation of a policy. Policy analysis is the examination of policy, from feasiblity, to impact to effectiveness. Analysis is part of the process.
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