THE CONCEPT OF A POLICY PROBLEM
It will be evident that problems need to be defined not only for macro policies (or "high" policies), such as foreign aid, health, and transportation, but also for micro policies, such as municipal animal control and police services. The only difference between these types of policies is the size of the population affected by public rules and procedures. Both macro- and micro policies require formulation or implementation of public-sector rules and procedures. The distinction also points to overlap -between the concepts of "policy," "program," and "service." Since the objects of planned public expenditures are authorized by public laws and serve defined target populations, the analytic distinction between policy, program, and service often breaks down. It should only be noted that program and policy analysis typically involve the same kind of techniques.
Three basic questions should be answered: (1) What is a policy problem?
(2) What kinds of policy problems are (3) Why is a precise definition important?