Politics is an arena in which societies make collective decisions about priorities and policies, and government is the focus of political activity. Recent years have seen a rise in ideological conflict over public policy on topics from everything from immigration, to gun control, to vaccine mandates, to budgets and spending measures.

This week, you will consider how public policy affects your everyday life. What kinds of policies and political debates are occurring in your community? Begin be locating a current event that is occurring in your immediate community (city, county, or state). Summarize the main points of the debate or policy, including the multiple sides of the issue, the action, and the communities impacted by the action.

Once you have completed your summary, address the following questions:

• What is the goal of the action or policy? What are the intended effects?
• Who holds the power to make decisions for the community in regards to this issue? Who is included in the conversation and decision-making process? Who is left out?
• What are some potential consequences of the event or policy? What populations does it affect? What is the impact to the "greater good" of the community?

Be sure to use specific examples from your research on your current event and include APA citations for material sourced.