Harold Lasswell described policy as a deliberate system of guidelines that combines implementation with formulated goals. This process anchors the entire field of policy studies and functions as statements of intent implemented through procedures or protocols.
James E. Anderson published his version of Public Policy-Making in 1974 with five specific stages including agenda setting, policy formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. Current research continues to rely on this framework despite arguments from Paul A. Sabatier that it has outlived its usefulness.
Quebecs Act to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion passed on the 18th of December 2002. This document serves as an example of horizontal policy making involving joint work across governmental departmental boundaries and different social segments.
Theodore J. Lowi proposed four types of public policy which include distributive policies, regulatory policies, constituent policies, and redistributive policies. Distributive policies involve government allocation of resources while regulatory policies aim to control behavior practices of individuals organizations or industries.
An individual or organization claims a specific policy is evidence-based only if three conditions are met regarding comparative evidence and preferences. First possession of comparative evidence about effects compared to at least one alternative policy exists second the specific policy must be supported by this evidence according to preferences in the area and third the entity can provide a sound account explaining evidence and preferences laying foundation for claim.