How is public policy defined?

Public policy is best defined as a course of action taken by government in response to political issues. This definition captures the essence of public policy as it reflects the government’s strategic decisions aimed at addressing societal problems, meeting the needs of the public, or responding to various political pressures. This process involves identifying issues, formulating strategies, implementing solutions, and evaluating outcomes, indicating that public policy is dynamic and evolves according to the changing landscape of social and political conditions.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of what public policy represents. For instance, a legal guideline focuses primarily on laws and regulations rather than the broader, proactive nature of policy-making directed at contemporary issues. Monitoring public opinion is more about gauging the public's views and preferences rather than crafting a response to them, while a political ideology represents a set of beliefs that guide a party's actions but doesn't constitute direct government responses or actions meant to address specific societal challenges. Thus, the correct option effectively encapsulates the active role of government in shaping policies to tackle political matters.