A Brief History of Public Policy

Harold Lasswell, a seminal American political scientist and communications theorist at Yale University, famously defined the backbone of the study as “who gets what, when and how”, linking the institution to a variety of academic disciplines that over time have been carefully developed over hundreds of years crafting civilization and government. 

One of the first documents related to public policy was the Magna Carta. Originally published in Britain in 1215, the document established a precedent for the rule of law by stating how King John of England, a ruler most known for being a major catalyst in the Baronial Revolt and collapse of the Angevian Empire, was not above the law despite. Looking further into history, one could also trace the fine lining of public policy back to ancient Mesopotamia where The Code Hammurabi prevailed over the Babylonian Empire, opposingly allowing a primary ruler to make strict laws to keep a peace amongst the populace. However, since times have changed since gaslit oil lamps and Samerian Sandals, the art of lawmaking has consequently transformed . 

The United States in particular, established its collection of public policy ideals most famously within its Constitution. Derived from Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, the document displays a bicameral legislature endorsing republicanism, therefore giving the franchise –while all white, land owning men at the time—  the ability to have an in-direct say in policy formation and implementation. Throughout the Jacksonian Era, as suffrage began to expand and the nation underwent crucial identity shaping events leading up to the civil war, public policy then landed itself in different waters as there had been a clear shift in the ideals of American citizens. Furthermore, as the country moved from the 19th century to the 21st, public policy grew by issue of the decade. During the 1930s for example, public policy was influenced by the Great Depression, causing President Franklin D. Roosevelt to implement a “New Deal” in order to expand government interference and reduce economic strain. However, in recent times, the Trump administration has utilized implemented policies to limit immigration, strengthen national security and Reform the Government ( DOGE ) in wake of the changing world order and the War in Iran. 

So in all, the development of public policy highlights how implementing policy can severely benefit or disadvantage the societies in which they operate. By researching and studying the history of these past initiatives then puts into light how current government systems function ,what they do and why we should care.

Cited works:

American.edu.” American University, 2024, www.american.edu/online/online-program/online-master-of-public-administration-and-policy/the-evolution-of-public-policy.cfm.

“Code of Hammurabi: Laws & Facts | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/articles/hammurabi.

Martin, Kimberly, et al. “2.2 – ORIGINS of PUBLIC POLICY.” Public Administration, University Press, 2026, open.maricopa.edu/pad100/chapter/15-origins-of-public-policy-public-policy-textbook/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Aviva Aron-Dine, et al. “Economic Issues to Watch in 2026.” Brookings, 13 Jan. 2026, www.brookings.edu/articles/economic-issues-to-watch-in-2026/.