What is the Difference Between Policy and Politics?

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The main difference between policy and politics lies in their definitions and functions.

  • Policy: A policy is a plan of action or a set of rules agreed upon by a business, a political group, or a government, outlining what they will do in a particular situation or issue. Policies can be termed as principles, commitments, or statements of intent, and they guide decisions and actions within an organization or government.
  • Politics: Politics refers to the activities used by a country, state, or city to make decisions. It is the science or art of governing or government, especially governing a political entity like a nation. Politics involves the struggle for power and the use of power in a country or society. It encompasses both the theory and practice of governance.

In summary, policies are plans or sets of rules that guide actions and decisions, while politics involves the processes, activities, and struggles related to governing and making decisions in a political context.

Comparative Table: Policy vs Politics

Here is a table outlining the differences between policy and politics:

Policy Politics
Refers to an action or plan used by a government to achieve specific goals Refers to the activities used by a country, state, or city to make decisions
Can be a course of action or plan agreed upon by a government or political party Involves the methods by which people get, keep, and use power in a country or society
Is often mandatory Can refer to a particular set of beliefs about how countries should be governed or power should be used
Relates to government involvement in addressing societal issues and concerns Can also refer to the study of ways in which countries are governed and people get and use power

Please note that this table provides a concise comparison of the differences between policy and politics. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the search results and the associated sources.