If a government makes a policy what should they do to make sure it works and everyone likes it?

Question

I am thinking in terms of the consultation process....and generally relating to good practice. I am looking at what the gov should have done for 'Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002' - but generally too. Thanks

Answer 1

In order to make sure it works, they should implement policies designed by people who actually do the job rather than on the basis of what sounds good but is practically unrealisable.

In terms of making people like it, that's rather more tricky. Sometimes government has to take decisions which are unpopular but necessary in the general public good. However, if by 'like it' you mean people are in broad agreement, the answer is to have far more referendums, as happens in various US states (including California) and in Switzerland - the exercise of direct democracy.

Politicians are not keen on this, because people have a knack of spotting nonsense and voting against it. That said, in most referendums, asking the right question is the key. For example, if you need to build a sewage works somewhere, then rather than asking 'should we build the new sewage works in location (a)' Yes or No, you ask 'should the sewage works be in location (a) or location (b)', which means people can not vote against it completely.

Answer 2

Do you really believed that ANY government can please ALL of its citizens? At best, if they're extremely lucky a little more than 50% will like what the government is doing... and that generally NEVER happens.

What sort of "consultation process" did you have in mind. In America we call that, voting on an issue. It's a good practice, but the number of those who participate is dwindling.

And what SHOULD the government do with regard to Community Care and Health issues and programs? In my opinion, the government should stay the Hell out of what should be a private issue for the medical and health industry to solve on its own.
The government's job should be to protect our borders, build and maintain the highway systems, and very little else. Meddling in the affairs of foreign governments should be reserved for those occasions when a foreign power meddles in our affairs.. and then they should be dealt with immediately with whatever force is necessary to permanently eliminate any threat, with minimal loss of men and equipment... including a nuclear option.

I know you, being a liberal, won't like my answer, but it's a cheap, simple, practical solution... and it works!

Clatu Barata Nikto!!

Answer 3

Hire someone like Karen Hughes, the long time White House spinmeister. That's how things are done in America!

Answer 4

If it's sweet everyone ask for more.
If it's bitter they all spit it out "Arrgh"
So the policy must taste like the real thing like coke and not sarsee in planet of apes.

Answer 5

There all talk & no action.