Ask the whole class the questions - What is public policy?  Using a brainstorming strategy, record all of the responses on the chalkboard, overhead, or chart paper.  Leave these posted for use in the next step.

Divide the class into smaller groups of 4-6 people each.  Distribute one complete copy of the local newspaper (include all sections) to each small group.  Each group must select 5 or 6 articles that reflect their understanding of what public policy is.  Each article chosen must come from the different section of the newspaper, e.g., national or state news, business section, sprts, ect.  The group should be prepared to present and defend each of their articles as an example of public policy.

Call on each group to present only one of its choices and defend it as an example of public policy before the whole class.  The next group may not use an article from a section of the newspaper used by any previous group.

Following these presentations the small groups should be given time to write a definition of public policy, write it on chart paper, and then present the definition to the class.

After all groups have presented their definition, the teacher/presenter should highlight or record all of the common terms or phrases that are present in each of the definitions.

From these common elements, the newspaper examples, and the original brainstorming work the whole class will develop a censensus definition of public policy.

Debrief Questions

1.    What did you learn about the meaning of public policy?
2.    Did your own understanding of public policy changes as a result of this activity?
3.    Who has responsibility for making public policy?
4.    How does existing public policy get changed?