Public Affairs Glossary

The obligation of public officials to report activities, accept responsibility, and disclose results transparently.

The process by which issues gain attention and priority among policymakers.

A formal organizational structure with hierarchy, specialization, written rules, and standardized procedures.

Citizen participation in the political and public life of communities through voting, volunteering, and advocacy.

A method comparing the expected costs and benefits of a policy to assess net value to society.

The transfer of authority and responsibility from higher to lower levels of government.

Using rigorous research, data, and evaluation to inform policy decisions rather than relying on ideology alone.

A system of government dividing power between a central authority and subnational political units.

The structures, processes, and norms that determine how power is exercised and public decisions are made.

Interactions and coordination among federal, state, and local governments in designing and delivering public services.

The mutually reinforcing relationship among congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups.

Attempts by individuals or groups to influence government decisions, typically through direct contact with legislators or officials.

An entity operating for a social, educational, charitable, or civic mission rather than distributing profits to owners.

The systematic evaluation of policy alternatives to identify the most effective solution to a public problem.

Systematic assessment of a public program's design, implementation, and outcomes.

The management and implementation of government programs, agencies, and services.

An interdisciplinary field studying government, public policy, and community engagement.

The process of allocating government financial resources among competing priorities.

A deliberate course of action or inaction by government to address a public problem.

The value created by government through services and outcomes that citizens collectively desire.

Policies that transfer resources from one group to another, typically from higher-income to lower-income populations.

Government-imposed rules and standards to protect public health, safety, environment, and fair competition.

Any individual, group, or organization affected by or having an interest in a policy decision or public program.

Public service workers who interact directly with citizens and exercise discretion in implementing policy.

Openness in government operations, making information accessible to citizens for oversight and informed participation.