If you are looking for something of an education in public policy, you can watch some of the many videos on the Internet. Indeed, here are 50 free videos that can provide you with a better understanding of how local government works.

Urban Policy and City Management

First of all, urban policy is often carried out at the local level. If you are looking for information on urban policy, and the policies that shape  local government, there are some interesting ideas in these videos.

1. Syed Mustafa Kamal: “Urban Policy, Global Challenges”: An interesting look at local government in another country, with the mayor of Karachi, Pakistan.
2. President Obama on Urban Policy: Concepts of urban policy remarks from President Barack Obama.
3. Urban Policy: This C-Span video looks at some of the challenges associated with urban policy, especially related to crime.
4. Dr. Sheila Crowley (NLIHC) on the Politics of Housing Policy, 2010: A seminar presented dealing with the politics that affect housing on a local urban level.
5. Five Most Influential Urban Policy Figures: This is an interesting look at who is most influential in urban policy.
6. Path to Paradise: History of Urban Planning in San Diego: Consider the history of urban planning in San Diego, and learn more about urban planning in general.
7. Designing for the Future: Smart Growth: A look at city planning and urban policy dealing with smart growth for the future.
8. Robert W. Burchell, Director for Center for Urban Policy Research Rutgers University: An interesting look at city planning, with a urban policy expert.
9. Jane Jacobs: Neighborhoods in Action: A video about the changes in neighborhood activity. A look at the connections between people and their cities.
10. Las Vegas City Scene: An interesting look into the city manager’s office. A great look at this city government, and an idea of what a city manager does.
11. Career Advice for Aspiring City Managers: If you are interested in becoming a city manager, you can get some great advice from these city managers. Great tips for getting ready.
12. The Built Environment: A look at health problems and urban policy in one area.
13. Challenge for The Urban and Built Environment: A look at the challenges faced by city planners and urban policymakers when it comes to building, and how different students met the challenge.
14. City Manager Doug Prichard: A fun video on how to protect city funds from the state. An interesting commentary on put of control spending.
15. Urban Sprawl and Urban Planning: A helpful and interesting look at urban systems, and what the importance of urban planning.
16. GREEN CITIES: Urban Planning & Climate Change: A look at committee proceedings related to urban planning on a very interesting and timely topic.
17. Solving the Human Factor of Security: A look at security for state and local governments.

State and City Government Videos

If you want to see how different governments handle their affairs, you can watch these videos, which feature state and local governments. It’s a great way to get a feel for the workings of local government.

18. CLOSUP: This is a site from the University of Michigan, offering a number of videos about policy and government in Michigan.
19. Seattle Channel: Some great videos about local government in Seattle, Washington, including a great video that features the mayor answering questions.
20. Government Channel 11: Features a number of videos about the workings of the Paducah-McCracken County in Kentucky.
21. Utah.gov: The State of Utah offers videos and podcats that feature information about state government and policy.
22. Colorado.gov: Videos and more about laws, policies and processes in Colorado.
23. Los Angeles Urban Policy Round Table: A look at this body, and its workings to influence Los Angeles city policy.
24. NYC Council Committee on Technology: Get a look at how New York City handles public hearings and how some local committees work with this livestream video.
25. Local Government and Green Results: Considers how the local government in Portland went green.
26. MLGMA Local Government and Council-Manager Awareness Study: An interesting perspective from Michigan about what local government does.
27. Local Government and School Leaders: Parners for Community Schools: A look at cities and communities that can be partners. Representatives from different cities around the world share what they are doing.
28. NY Senate Committee – Local Government: A look at how things are handled in New York state with regard to the state senate committee addressing local government. A live videostream.
29. PJTV: Are Faceless PACs Funding Your Local Elections?: This candidate for a local election last year offers information about how PACs influence local politics and government.
30. The most outrageous local government board meeting EVER!!!: A rather interesting look at what happens when thing start to go downhill in a meeting. A real look at what can happen.
31. David Cameron sets out his vision for ‘big society’: An interesting look at local government’s place in David Cameron’s Britain. A great look at local government in another country.
32. CONPAC: Revive Local Council Elections: Another foreign video about how local government works elsewhere. This video calls for local council elections.

How Government Works

These videos are a little more general, addressing different aspects of our wider governmental system. City governments may not be big legislative bodies, but they often operate under similar rules. Use these videos to get a better idea of how government is run in the U.S.

33. Law 270.7 – Lecture 4 – State Programs & an Introduction to Local Government: A look at local government and how they are affected by state programs.
34. Government 2301 – Local Government – Part 1 – Introduction: A great intro to local government, and its purpose.
35. How Instant Runoff Voting Works 2.0: Multiple winners: Many local governments have instant runoff voting. Learn how it works.
36. How early voting works: Many local and state governments offer early voting.
37. The Rights & Duties of a Volunteer In Local Government: A look at what volunteers do to help local government.
38. Strengthening Local Democracy: Considers how local democracy can be strengthened in the U.K. Some great ideas that could be applied in the U.S.
39. U.S. Constitution – Dr. Charles Oswald: An overview of the Constitution, which represents the law of the land.
40. 27 Amendments to the Constitution of the United States: An overview of the amendments to the constitution — there are more than just the Bill of Rights.
41. Schoolhouse Rock – How a Bill Becomes a Law: This classic video is a great primer on the basics of how a bill becomes a law.
42. U.S. Government Review Part 1 – 3 Branches of Government: A look at the three branches of the federal government and how they are organized.
43. The Executive Branch: This video looks at how the executive branch works. On a local level, the mayor represents the executive.
44. The Legislative Branch: The U.S. Legislative Branch: A look at how the Congress works. On the local level, the city council is often the legislative body.
45. The Judicial Branch: The Judicial Branch Review: An quick look at how the courts work. There are local and state courts as well as federal courts.
46. American History: Checks and Balances: An overview of our system of checks and balances.
47. The Illustrated Bill of Rights: Local government have to make sure you have your rights as well, so learn them.
48. The U.S. Constitution: Amending the Constitution: A look at the process of amending the Constitution.
49. We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution: A Brief Overview: Addresses how people can become more involved in government at all levels.
50. Civil Rights: The Constitution: A look at the government’s efforts to extend civil rights.

The following list is arranged alphabetically by surname.

1. Dr. Joel Fleishman joined the faculty of Duke University in 1971, combining his background in public policy and law as founding director of the Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, a position he held until 1983. He has been professor of law and public policy studies since 1974 and is the faculty chair for the Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society. Dr. Fleishman’s scholarly work reflects his long-standing interest in ethics, public policy and not-for-profit organizations and has written articles concerning urban studies, the postal service and the financing of federal elections.
2. Jacob S. Hacker, PhD, is an expert on the politics and character of U.S. social policy and on American political institutions. Dr. Hacker is the Stanley B. Resor Professor of Political Science at Yale University, and a resident fellow at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies. He is also a fellow at the New America Foundation in Washington, D.C., and a former junior fellow of the Harvard Society of Fellows. He is the author of numerous books and publications and, with a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, he also is developing a new index of economic security and overseeing a new public opinion survey on perceptions of economic insecurity in the United States.
3. Dr. Robert O. Keohane is professor of International Affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University. Following the publication of his influential book, After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Economy, Dr. Keohane became widely associated with the neoliberal institutionalism in international relations theory. Professor Keohane won the 1989 Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order and the 2005 Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science, has received honorary degrees from two universities, and is the 2007-2008 Harold Lasswell Fellow of the American Academy of Political and Social Science.
4. Dr. Mark A. R. Kleiman is professor of public policy in the UCLA School of Public Affairs. His academic interests include political philosophy and the study of imperfectly rational decision-making and how to make policy to accommodate it. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Kleiman provides advice to local, state, and national governments on crime control and drug policy. He is the author of Marijuana: Costs of Abuse, Costs of Control and Against Excess: Drug Policy for Results, and has recently completed When Brute Force Fails. Dr. Kleiman edits the Drug Policy Analysis Bulletin.
5. Dr. Paula D. McClain is a professor of political science and professor of public policy and African American studies at Duke University. She also is co-director of the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Gender in the Social Sciences at Duke University and also directs the American Political Science Association’s Ralph Bunche Summer Institute hosted by Duke University, and funded by the National Science Foundation and Duke University. Dr. McClain also sits on many boards and has accumulated a number of grants for publications, research and teaching.
6. Dr. Joseph S. Nye is Dean Emeritus of the Kennedy School, Sultan of Oman Professor of International Relations, and a member of the Belfer Center Board of Directors. Dr. Nye is the co-founder, along with Robert Keohane (see above), of the international relations theory neoliberalism, developed in their 1977 book, Power and Interdependence. Dr. Nye is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Diplomacy and a member of the Executive Committee on the Trilateral Commission. he received distinguished service awards for his government work from 1977 to 1995.
7. Robert Reich, JD has served in three national administrations, most recently as secretary of labor under President Bill Clinton. He also served on President-Elect Obama’s transition advisory board. He has written twelve books, including The Work of Nations and his most recent book, Supercapitalism. Dr. Reich’s commentaries can be heard weekly on public radio’s “Marketplace.” He currently is the Chancellor’s Professor of public policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley. In 2008, Time Magazine named him one of the Ten Most Successful Cabinet Members of the century.
8. Dr. Leiyu Shi [PDF] is professor of health policy and health services research from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Health Policy and Management, and co-director of Johns Hopkins Primary Care Policy Center. Dr. Shi’s research and professional experience includes primary care, health disparities and vulnerable populations. He is the author of seven textbooks and over 100 journal articles and has received numerous awards for his work, including the Distinguished PRC Scholar award and Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare.
9. James Q. Wilson, PhD is the Ronald Reagan Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy. He is the author or co-author of fourteen books, including The Marriage Problem: How Our Culture Has Weakened Families, Moral Judgment, and Moral Sense. His textbook on American government is more widely used on university campuses than any other government textbook. Dr. Wilson has served on a number of national commissions concerned with public policy, and the American Political Science Association presented Wilson a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2001.
10. Dr. Amy B. Zegart is associate professor at UCLA’s School of Public Affairs, a fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations, and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Zegart has been featured by The National Journal as one of the ten most influential experts in intelligence reform. Her first book, Flawed By Design: The Evolution of the CIA, JCS and NSC, won the highest national dissertation award in political science and has become standard reading for several U.S. military and intelligence training programs.

The iPad has been especially helpful in keeping those with public policy jobs connected. And, if you want to keep up with what is happening in government, there are apps for that. Indeed, the U.S. federal government, as well as states and local governments, offer a number of iPad apps that can help you stay up with government happenings. Here are 20 helpful iPad apps from the government:

Federal Government

Here are some great iPad apps that can help you keep up with what is happening with the government.

1. The White House: You can keep up with what is going on, straight from the source, with this helpful iPad app. Indeed, you can get news on Obama’s speeches and visits, as well as information on policy initiatives. Cost: Free
2. NIH Stroke Scale: If you are interested in what happens during a stroke, and if you are in need of help in assessing the severity of stroke, this app using the scale from the National Institutes of Health can be extremely helpful. Cost: Free
3. U.S. Gov.Index: Get access to different government web sites. Find different agencies and governments quickly. Cost: $0.99
4. My TSA: If you are traveling, this is a great app. Helpful information about what you need to know as you travel. Includes information about airport security requirements, as well as airport statuses in real time. Cost: Free
5. Real Time Congress: What to know what’s happening with lawmakers? This iPad app keeps you in the look with live floor updates, as well as key memos and reports. Cost: Free
6. BMI Calculator: If you are interested in calculating your BMI, this helpful app from the National Institutes of Health is a great way to quickly gauge your health. Cost: Free
7. FCC Mobile Broadband Test: The Federal Communications Commission offers you the chance to see what sort of broadband service you have available. A great way for you to test the quality and speed of your mobile connection. Cost: Free
8. Library of Congress – Virtual Tour: The world’s largest library is available at your fingertips. You can use this app to find useful information, brush up on history and even see great works of art. A great way to bring a world of knowledge to you — no matter where you are.
9. FBI’s Most Wanted: this awesome app provides you with access to the FBI Most Wanted list. You can search by state, and keep up with the latest news related to FBI searches for dangerous criminals. Cost: Free
10. U.S. Army News & Information: Learn more about the U.S. Army and get the latest news related to the Army. Includes information about different weapons, aircraft and more. A great resource and an interesting source of news. Cost: Free
11. Army OnceSource Services Locator: If you need access to Army resources, this iPad app is a great tool. You can find Army programs, and support. Use your ZIP code to find the nearest resource centers. Includes helpful maps and directions to help you get the help you need. Cost: Free
12. USPS Mobile: If you are looking for information related to the postal service, this iPad app is for you. Find collection boxes wherever you are, look up ZIP codes and track your package. A terribly useful application. A great way to find post offices, no matter what town you are in. Cost: Free
13. NASA App: Get launch schedules, learn about missions and see cool pictures from telescopes, spacecraft and satellites. Features live streaming of NASA’s TV channel, and allows you to look at maps and satellite images. A neat app that is also educational. Cost: Free.
14. U.S. Code: If you are looking for information on the United States Code, you can use this iPad app to help you learn more about federal codes in the U.S. You do not need the Internet to access the entire code. It is a great way learn more about the laws of the land, and be up to date on changes to the code. Cost: Free
15. Government Spending: Are you interested in how your tax dollars are being spent? If so, you can get the information you need on the budget. Includes information on contracts and other specifics about government spending. Cost: $0.99

State and Local Government

You can become more involved on the local and state level with these helpful apps from state governments and city governments.

16. SeeClickFix: This is a great iPad app that is used in conjunction with a great number of cities. Take pictures of a problem, and then upload it. Your iPad app can then help you send the issue to the appropriate authorities, helping to get the problem fixed. Cost: Free
17. YourGov: A great app that allows you to fill out citizen request that items be fixed. A great way to participate in government at multiple levels. Cost: Free
18. DC 311: This app is meant to help residents of the nation’s capital let authorities know when something is wrong. Notes about potholes, graffiti, and other issues can be made and shared the government. Cost: Free
19. MT.gov Driver Test: If you live in Montana, you can use this great app to help you study for the written part of the test. An excellent study too that can help you with learning the rules of the road. On top of that, the developer, NIC, also offers tests for other states. Cost: Free
20. Oklahoma Statutes: If you are looking for information on the penal codes in the state of Oklahoma, you can get searchable versions with this iPad app. In addition to getting access to laws in the state of Oklahoma, you can also get them for other states. Mike Kinney has developed a number of apps that can help you keep up with what is happening in your state with regard to laws. Cost: $4.99

These groups have been divided by political leaning and also are listed by year created, from earliest to the latest within those political categories. For more think tanks developed over the years, you might visit the list of think tanks gathered at Wikipedia.

Centrist

1. Pew Research Center (2004): The Pew Research Center is an American think tank organization based in Washington, D.C. that provides information on issues, attitudes and trends shaping the United States and the world.
2. Streit Council (2004): The Streit Council for a Union of Democracies works toward better-organized and stable cooperation among experienced democracies as the key for more effective US engagement in world affairs.
3. Third Way (2005): Third Way is a combination of right-wing economics and left-wing social policies and a progressive stance on middle-class culture and clean environment.
4. Future of American Democracy Foundation (2006): The mission of the Foundation is to renew and sustain the historic vision of democracy that has unified Americans throughout the nation’s history.
5. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (2006): ITIF’s founding in 2006 was described by InformationWeek as “[b]ig IT vendors … establishing their own think tank.”
6. Hamilton Project (2006): Although composed mostly of Democrats, this Brookings Institution group states a clear preference for market-based solutions to America’s problems.
7. Global Financial Integrity (2006): GFI promotes national and multilateral policies, safeguards, and agreements aimed at curtailing the cross-border flow of illegal money.
8. Center for a New American Security (2007): CNAS is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, which specializes in U.S. national security issues. As an independent and nonpartisan research institution, CNAS engages policymakers, experts and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate.
9. Foundation for Excellence in Education (2007): Since its inception, the Institute has remained independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan. It makes no attempt to aid or hinder the passage of legislation, nor does it accept government funds or respond to special pleadings from any sector.
10. The Center for the Advanced Study of Communities and Information (2008): The center’s goal is to increase understanding of community interactions and to harness the power of novel technologies to support the needs of real and virtual communities.
11. Institute for New Economic Thinking (2009): This New York City-based think tank strives to provide fresh insight and thinking to promote changes in economic theory and practice.

Conservative

12. Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (2004): CFACT is a member organization of the Cooler Heads Coalition, which aims at “dispelling the myths of global warming through sound science and analysis.”
13. Let Freedom Ring, Inc. (2004): This conservative think was formed to counter the attacks of anti-conservative groups on patriotic candidates as well as attacks on issues such as family, marriage, the economy, energy, abortion, health care and foreign policy.
14. Americans for Prosperity (2004): AFP is committed to cutting taxes and government spending, with a focus on the judicial system and reducing red tape. This group also is focused on “a return of the federal government to its Constitutional limits.”
15. National Policy Institute (2007): The National Policy Institute is a think tank based in Augusta, Georgia. It describes itself as the right’s answer to the Southern Poverty Law Center and promotes policies for white Americans.
16. AEI Legal Center for the Public Interest (2007): In September 2007, the National Legal Center for the Public Interest (NLC) merged into the American Enterprise Institute to become the AEI Legal Center for the Public Interest (AEILC), dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare.

Liberal

17. National Security Network (2006): The National Security Network (NSN) was founded to revitalize America’s national security policy, bringing cohesion and strategic focus to the progressive national security community. It also hosts the liberal global affairs blog Democracy Arsenal.
18. Campus Progress (2005): Campus Progress is a national organization that works with and for young people to promote progressive solutions to key political and social challenges.
19. Roosevelt Institute Campus Network (2004): Formerly the Roosevelt Institution, this is the first student-run policy research group or “think tank” in the United States.

Libertarian

20. Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism (2005): The mission of The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism is to examine and to increase public awareness of the moral foundations of capitalism.
21. Middlebury Institute (2005): The goal of the institute is to foster a national movement to place secession on the national political agenda and encourage secessionist and separatist movements in the U.S. and abroad.
22. Show-Me Institute (2005): The Show-Me Institute is a research and educational institute dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Missouri by advancing solutions to state and local policy issues.
23. Sam Adams Alliance (2006): This nonprofit think tank is dedicated to the idea of Same Adams as CMO of the colonies if they had been incorporated.
24. Ocean State Policy Research Institute (2007): Ocean State Policy Research Institute was founded by William J. Felkner, who is chiefly known as an advocate for libertarian principles in education and social services.
25. Caesar Rodney Institute (2008): The Caesar Rodney Institute’s vision is to be the catalyst for improved performance, accountability, and efficiency in Delaware government.

General Politics

These bloggers offer great insight into issues of public policy in a number of areas. If something is being debated for the “public good”, these general politics bloggers are on top of it.

1. Politico: The bloggers at Politico.com offer insight into a number of public policy issues, as well as the latest news related to politicians.
2. Daily Kos: Founded by Markos Moulitsas Zúniga, Daily Kos bloggers provide political news and public policy commentary from a liberal viewpoint.
3. Matt Drudge: The Drudge Report offer political news and public policy from a conservative standpoint.
4. Wonkette: Get an eyeful of D.C. gossip and political news and policy from the bloggers at Wonkette.
5. Huffington Post: A variety of political bloggers share insights on public policy and news on the Huffington Post, one of the best policy blogs out there.
6. Andrew Sullivan: Blogging at The Daily Dish, Andrew Sullivan give his take on the political news of the day.
7. AMERICAblog: Devoted to political news and policy debate, AMERICAblog bloggers try to keep our leaders on their toes.
8. Michelle Malkin: High profile conservative blogger Michelle Malkin talks tough and shares definite insights into public policy decisions.

Environment and Energy

One of the hottest topics in public policy today is the environment. Energy is one of the issues linked to the subject of the environment. These great bloggers offer insight into the environment and energy policy.

9. Legal Planet: The bloggers at Legal Planet are all involved at the law schools at Berkeley and UCLA. They focus on environmental law and public policy.
10. Andrew C. Revkin: Revkin is the blogger behind Dot Earth, the environmental policy blog from The New York Times.
11. Peter Bosshard: If you are interested in environmental public policy on a global scale, Peter Bosshard’s blog is the way to go.
12. Ecology and Policy Blog: The bloggers at the Ecology and Policy Blog provide a British perspective to environmental issues.
13. Energy Policy Information Center: The writers at the Energy Policy Information Center share news and commentary about what is happening in the world of energy policy.
14. Roger Pielke, Jr.: This professor of environmental studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder offers commentary and insight on energy policy and environmental policy on Roger Pielke Jr.’s Blog.
15. Matthew E. Kahn: As an economics professor, Kahn addresses environmental policy from an interesting standpoint on the Environmental and Urban Economics blog.

Poverty and Homelessness

We seem to be less focused on poverty and homelessness right now, but there are still public policy bloggers out there looking to raise awareness and encourage public participation in issues related to poverty and homelessness.

16. End Homelessness: Bloggers at Change.org offer a look at homeless policy at End Homelessness.
17. Defeat Poverty: The blogger at Defeat Poverty is dedicated to spreading the word about poverty and trying to defeat it.
18. Kathryn Baer: This policy researcher writes Poverty & Policy, a look at the politics of poverty. She also writes at Change.org.
19. Picture the Homeless Blog: Bloggers at the Picture the Homeless Blog focus on public policy issues related to homelessness.
20. The Global Poverty Project: Learn more about public policy and global poverty from the writers at the Global Poverty Project.

Education

The way our children are educated is a topic of major discussion in public policy circles. Learn more about education, and the issues surrounding home schooling, charter schools and the next steps in public education.

21. Andrew Rotherham: If you are looking for great information on education public policy, Andrew Rotherham’s Eduwonk is a great place to start.
22. Get Schooled: Learn more about education policy and more with the bloggers at Get Schooled.
23. Corey Bunje Bower: Thoughts on Education Policy is a great blog written by someone who has taught in the Bronx.
24. AEI Education Policy: The American Enterprise Institute offers an Education Policy blog.
25. NEA Today: The National Education Association shares news and information on its policy blog.
26. Eliza Krigman: The National Journal offers expert blogs, and Eliza Krigman is the policy expert for Education.

Food and Drug

Food policy and drug policy are related to each other, especially when it comes to commentary on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Read what others are saying about how the government protects us from these threats.

27. Mark Senak: As the blogger behind Eye on FDA, Mark Senak offers insight into food and drug public policy.
28. Howard Brody: Interested in pharma and public policy? Howard Brody’s Hooked: Ethics, Medicine, and Pharma is a great read.
29. Parke Wilde: The blog U.S. Food Policy is written by a professor at Tufts.
30. PharmaGossip: The blogger at PharmaGossip offers inside information on the pharmaceutical industry, and the public policy news.
31. The United States Agriculture & Food Law and Policy Blog: A look at ag and food policy from some great writers at the American Agricultural Law Association.
32. Civil Eats: The bloggers at Civil Eats share commentary on sustainable and responsible food policy.
33. Pete Guither: Pete, the blogger behind Drug WarRant looks at drugs and public policy.
34. Center for a Livable Future: A variety of blog contributors for the Center for a Livable Future offer commentary on food policy.

Health Care

Lately, health care has gotten a lot of attention. There are a number of public policy wonks interested in health care, and where we should go in the coming decade. Learn more about the health care debate from these bloggers.

35. The Health Care Blog: Written by a variety of bloggers, The Health Care Blog offers a good look at health policy.
36. John Goodman: The blogger behind the Health Policy Blog offers commentary on efforts to change health public policy.
37. Health Affairs Blog: Contributors to the Health Affairs Blog provide information on health care policy.
38. Gary Schwitzer: This blogger writes Gary Schwitzer’s HealthNewsReview Blog and offers commentary on the health policy news of the day.
39. Health Policy Blog: Bloggers at the Mayo Clinic offers insights on health policy.
40. Michael Miller: This doctor blogs at Health Policy and Communications Blog.
41. Health Care Renewal: Several contributors help make Health Care Renewal a great blog about public policy and health care.
42. Katharine Van Tassel: This law professor offers insight into health law and policy on the HealthLawProf Blog.

Economy

Perhaps the issue seen most, though, is the economy. Monetary policy and our economic system have been topics of constant conversation for nearly two years, since the global financial crisis of 2008. Find out more about the different economic policy views.

43. Roubini Global Economics: The bloggers at this site, including the renowned Nouriel Roubini, offer insight into economic public policy.
44. Ezra Klein: This well-known Washington Post blogger keeps you updated on economic policy.
45. Paul Krugman: The Nobel Prize winning economist blogs at The New York Times blog The Conscience of a Liberal.
46. Ludwig von Mises Institute: A number of knowledgeable bloggers share insights and history on economic policy from the Mises Institute.
47. Keith Hennessey: Looking for information on American economic policy? Keith Hennessey’s blog is a great place to start.
48. International Economic Law and Policy Blog: Various contributors offer thoughts on international economic public policy.
49. Bob McTeer: Read Bob McTeer’s blog for more on economic policy and tax policy.
50. Jim Libby: With a solid grasp of public policy, Jim Libby’s Economic Policy Blog offers insights and commentary.

1. American Freedom Agenda: Established in March 2007 by disaffected libertarian-oriented conservatives, the AFA wanted to restore “checks and balances and civil liberties protections under assault by the executive branch” during the Bush administration.
2. Appropedia: This Web site is a collaborative effort in sustainability, poverty reduction and international development with a focus on appropriate technology. Created in 2007 by Lonny Grafman, Appropedia is increasingly being used to improve the pedagogy of global service learning.
3. Caesar Rodney Institute: Founded in 2008, CRI seeks to become Delaware’s preeminent non-partisan, free-market oriented think tank. DelawareSpends.com is a project of the Caesar Rodney Institute that allows Delawareans to view state payroll, state payments to vendors as well as the payroll and vendor payments for several counties.
4. Center for a New American Security: Building on the expertise and experience of its staff and advisers, CNAS engages policymakers, experts and the public with innovative research, ideas and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. CNAS was established in February 2007 as an independent and nonpartisan research institution.
5. Center for the Advanced Study of Communities and Information: This multi-disciplinary research center located at the University of Maryland, was inaugurated in 2008. CASCI’s goals are to understand and transform community interactions through harnessing the power of novel technologies to support the needs of real and virtual communities and social networks.
6. Climate Strategies Watch: CSW describes itself as dedicated to “exposing stealth environmental advocacy by the Center for Climate Strategies and scrutinizing global warming policy in the States.” The Heartland Institute, which sponsors this organization, opposes “junk science and the use of scare tactics in the areas of environmental protection and public health.”
7. Foreign Policy Initiative: Founded in 2009, FPI claims non-partisanship and is committed to response to foreign policy challenges facing the U.S., such as “rising and resurgent powers, including China and Russia,” “other autocracies that violate the rights of their citizens” and etc.
8. Foundation for Excellence in Education: The Foundation was founded in Tallahassee, Florida in 2007 by then Governor Jeb Bush. The school’s co-founder was T. Williard Fair, a well-known local black activist and head of the Greater Miami Urban League. Since its inception, the Institute has claimed to remain independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan.
9. Global Financial Integrity: GFI launched in 2006, and has urged the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to implement new safeguards that will greatly improve transparency and cooperation in the global financial system.
10. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) is a non-profit, non-partisan economic policy think tank formed in March, 2006 and based in Washington, DC. ITIF focuses on the roles innovation and technology play in our economic well being and quality of life. Top officials in the Obama Administration, key Members of Congress, elected officials and public policy experts across the country seek out ITIF’s ideas for bolstering U.S. competitiveness and prosperity.
11. Innovation, Development and Employment Alliance: IDEA is a business coalition launched in 2009, and it is aimed at securing intellectual property rights areas including environmentally sound technology, healthcare and renewable energy. Supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, members include General Electric, Microsoft and Sunrise Solar.
12. Institute for International Economic Policy: George Washington University chartered IIEP in 2007, and current research includes climate change adaptation in developing countries, the global financial crisis and prospects for recovery, economics of ultra-poverty, China-US economic relations, herd behavior in financial markets, and the free trade/fair trade debate.
13. Join the Impact: JTI, founded in 2008 with the California passage of Proposition 8, is a grassroots and netroots organization geared at gaining full equality for the LGBTQI community through outreach, education, and demonstration. This group garnered enough net-roots activism to lead to a 300-city international protest of Proposition 8 on November 15th, 2008.
14. LGBT Equality Caucus: Congress members strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world created this caucus in 2008. Their focus is the extension of equal rights, elimination of hate-motivated violence, and improved health and well being for all.
15. Lincoln Square Institute: The Institute was founded in 2006 by a group of public policy scholars who seek to broaden the public policy debate. The Lincoln Square Institute publishes the online “Campaign Power Rating 2008.” The report was featured on numerous Sunday morning talk programs.
16. National Policy Institute: Founded in 2007, NPI describes itself as the right’s answer to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Its chairman, Louis R. Andrews, voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 US Presidential Election in order, he said, to help destroy the Republican Party so that it can be reborn into a party that will support the “interests of white people.”
17. National Security Network: Founded in 2006, NSN focuses on international relations, global affairs and national security. This group rejects “reject the Bush Administration’s reckless, incompetent, and short-sighted policies that have emboldened our enemies, tarnished our moral standing, overstretched our military, and endangered our people.”
18. Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues: Created by Executive Order 13521 in 2009, this committee succeeds the disbanded President’s Council on Bioethics. The Commission’s goal is to identify and promote policies and practices that ensure scientific research, health care delivery, and technological innovation are conducted ethically and to report directly to President Obama.
19. Sam Adams Alliance: Sam Adams Alliance was founded in 2006 to inspire and cultivate citizen activism. Initially, the organization provided new media and blogger training to free-market activists. Though the organization is often referred to as conservative or libertarian, it claims to not affiliate with any particular political ideology.
20. Science and Public Policy Institute: Prior to founding SPPI in approximately mid-2007, Robert Ferguson was the Executive Director of the Center for Science and Public Policy (CSPP), a project of the corporate-funded group, the Frontiers of Freedom Institute (founded in 1996 by ex-Republican Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming). SPPI funded a film, Apocalypse? No! to counter the Al Gore documentary, An Inconvenient Truth.
21. The Alliance for Climate Protection: Founded in 2006 by Al Gore, the Alliance is guided by a bi-partisan board. In April 2008, ACP launched a $300 million marketing campaign (spent over three years). O’Dwyer’s reported, “Interpublic’s Martin Agency has developed ads for the campaign with the Alliance featuring unlikely political pairings like Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich, and Pat Robertson and Al Sharpton.”
22. The Center for Internet and Society Fair Use Project: The Stanford Center for Internet and Society’s “Fair Use Project” (“the FUP”) was founded in 2006 to provide legal support to a range of projects designed to clarify, and extend, the boundaries of “fair use” in order to enhance creative freedom. It has been involved in several notable cases over the past five years.
23. The Wheatley Institution: Jack Wheatley organized this Brigham Young University organization in 2007. Wheatley had previously been on the board of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution (dedicated to research in domestic policy and international affairs in a conservative and/or libertarian vein) and desires to have the new BYU institution fulfill somewhat the same roles.
24. White House Office of Urban Affairs: The White House Office of Urban Affairs is an office within the White House Office, established by Executive Order 13503 issued by President Obama in 2009, the purpose of the office is to provide leadership for and coordinate the development of the policy agenda for urban America across executive departments and agencies.
25. World Wide Web Foundation: The World Wide Web Foundation, launched in November 2009, is an organization dedicated to the improvement and availability of the World Wide Web. The mission of the organization is “to advance One Web that is free and open,” “to expand the Web’s capability and robustness” and “to extend the Web’s benefits to all people on the planet.”

Poverty

One of the issues that affects the world is poverty. Learn about different ideas for addressing poverty.

1. The Global Poverty Project: Follow the ideas and projects undertaken to help get rid of extreme poverty.
2. The 1010 Project: Efforts to eradicate global poverty. Starting today.
3. End Poverty 2015: An ambitious project aimed at reducing global poverty.
4. Bollocks to Poverty: This U.K. group is working toward education to help get rid of poverty.
5. National Homeless: This coalition aims to help end homelessness and poverty in the U.S.
6. Shriver Center: Looks at poverty and how it conditions in the U.S. can be improved.

Food

How our food is regulated, as well as how it is grown, is the subject of public policy. Learn more about farming, organic options and more.

7. FoodSecurityAB: This Canadian group looks at food policy and food security in Alberta. An interesting look at what security means in terms of food.
8. Naomi Starkman: This food policy expert and advocate is a great person to follow if you are interested in food issues as they relate to public policy.
9. American Farmland Trust: Looks at food policy and farm policy. “No farms, no food!”
10. Sustain Ontario: Another food policy project from Canada, this one focuses on Ontario — and offers great insight for other places.
11. Food Policy Council: This project is based in Ohio and looks at specialty crops, farm policy, and more.

Health

One of the biggest public policy debates in recent history has been waged over health care. Keep up on health industry developments.

12. Fix Health Policy: A look at different issues related to health policy.
13. USAID: Learn about what the U.S. is doing around the world for public health and health policy and education.
14. Kaiser Family Foundation: Known for its interest in health care policy, you can follow the KFF on Twitter.
15. Gates Foundation: Involved in a number of public policy projects and initiatives around the world.
16. The Commonwealth Fund: Focuses on health care policy and issues in public health.

Environment

How we treat the world around us, and the earth’s ecology, is a matter of public interest — and policy.

17. UL Environmental Committee: Promotes environmental awareness, and follows environmental news.
18. The Energy Collectiv: Follow public policy moves and debate on energy development and its environmental impacts.
19. Greenpeace: You know what Greenpeace is all about, and you can follow its policy making efforts on Twitter.
20. WWF_Climate: The World Wildlife Fund has a wing devoted to environmental policy, and you can follow it on Twitter.
21. Stop Climate Chaos: Focuses on climate change and issues related to climate change.
22. Energy Action Coalition: A group of students working toward clean energy. An interesting and energizing public policy project.

Economy

With a recession ending, and some seeing a double-dip recession on the way, economic policy remains a hot topic.

23. Economic Policy Institute: See the latest from the Economic Policy Institute when you follow on Twitter.
24. The Center for Economic and Policy Research: Encourages debate and looks at economic policy.
25. Tax Policy Center: Learn more about tax policy, and how it affects the economy, as well as follow policy positions and projects.
26. Tax Foundation: This public policy project focuses on taxes and their effect on the economy.
27. UNICEF Social Policy: Looks at socioeconomic policies and advocates changes in social and economic policies.
28. NW Economic Policy Seminar: Aims to educate the public about economic policy.

Transportation

Our roads, bridges and public transportation are all matters of public policy and regulation. Learn about different ideas to help the flow of traffic.

29. MADD Public Policy: Addresses drunk driving and other safe driving issues.
30. Federal Transit Administration: Public policy and projects right from the federal government!
31. AvegoUSA: Focuses on transportation policy and projects that encourage shared transit.
32. TrailLink: Focuses on making public transit more efficient, and also focuses on the use of trails.

Education

What we learn, and how we learn it, has been the subject of public policy for decades, including how to help children learn better in school.

33. AEI Education Policy: The American Enterprise Institute keeps you up to date on all its education policy projects.
34. National Education Association: Education policy projects and positions from the NEA.
35. Education Sector: Think tank that focuses on changing the way we think about education, and education policy.
36. Education Equality Project: Works toward providing a good education for all children, not just the privileged.
37. Get Schooled: Aims to improve the quality of education, and increase educational equality.

Media and Free Expression

The media itself, and how it defines public policy, is also the subject of different projects. Many of them are related to regulation, as well as to free expression.

38. Poynter Institute: Focuses on media and journalism and public policy.
39. New Media Policy: Looks at emerging technologies and the issues and policies surrounding them.
40. Internet Policy: A look at Internet policy developments and projects.
41. Internet Society: Looks to provide standards, education and access related to the World Wide Web.
42. National Coalition Against Censorship: Works toward free expression in its many forms.

Law

How the law is applied, and the development of law and justice is part of public policy.

43. Ars Technica Law Policy: A look at legal policy, especially as it relates to technology.
44. Phoenix Center: This is a law policy center that looks at aspects of law and economics.
45. National Agricultural Law Center: Focuses on the development of law and policy as it relates to agriculture.
46. American Constitution Society: Focuses on law and policy projects related to the Constitution.

Drugs

Whether legal or illegal, drug policy projects exist. This includes projects regarding the regulation of pharmaceuticals, as well as thoughts on the status of illegal drugs, like marijuana.

47. Drug Policy: White House policy project on drugs.
48. USA 4 Marijuana Meds: Hopes to legalize marijuana for medical use.
49. Marijuana Policy Project: A policy project aimed at legalizing marijuana.
50. Food and Drug Administration: Projects and information on pharma and other issues from the FDA.

1. WIPP – Women Impacting Public Policy is a bi-partisan public policy organization and blog that represents over 500,000 women in business and business owners.  Blog posts are centered on the specific interests of women in business and cover everything from the Budget, to Clean Energy, to Healthcare.
2. Google has its own Public Policy blogs for every place in which there is a Google Office. GooglePolicyEurope is particularly interesting since it covers European public policy from the perspective of the media giant. It’s a great site to learn about Public Policy regarding online and information technology.
3. PublicKnowledge is the blog of the D.C. based public interest group “Public Knowledge” which focuses on defending citizens rights in digital culture. To learn how public policy affects everything from your phone to Facebook, this is the place to go.
4. FreightPublicPolicy is a nicely designed blog about Public Policy and Sustainability in regards to freight transportation and logistics. Hey, I said “movers” would be on this list, and these guys are all about big trucks, trains and planes.
5. Shopfloor.org may not look like a public policy blog, but it is. It just has very cool videos of Cool Stuff Being Made in addition to policy commentary by the National Association of Manufacturers.
6. WaSupremeCourtBlog chronicles the Supreme Court of Washington’s activities, providing news, information and analysis of the cases before the court.
7. CATOatLiberty is the blog of the CATO institute, one of the major political think-tanks in Washington D.C. The blog is mainly focused on providing interesting and insightful perspectives on the public policy issues of the day, without a concentration on a single theme. The analysis is good, the subjects are fun, if there is such a thing as light Public Policy reading, this is it.
8. The Volokh Conspiracy is a blog authored mainly by law professors on Public Policy issues, often from a conservative perspective. The analysis is insightful and carefully argued, making this a highly educational blog for those studying Public Policy.
9. The Reality-Based Community blog, where “everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts,” looks at the major public policy issues in the news, like green energy, drug policy, climate change, arts and cultural policy with an analytical eye. It’s one man’s opinion, true, but he carefully backs his statements with facts and precedents.
10. Economix by the New York Times is a blog partially devoted to public policy, but also has stories about many other economic issues. The journalism is sound, facts are supported, and the issues covered are interesting, like “Will This Jobs Bill Do Any Good?” and “Does Policy Trail Public Opinion on Gay Rights?”

Public Policy professionals need to know what other cities, counties, states and nations are doing to solve their problems. In an increasingly globally aware world, sharing ideas and solutions have never been more important. Subscribing to these blogs will help keep you updated and informed so you can better serve your community.

1. Poverty: The purpose of this public policy statement is to develop welfare policies and programs as to help individuals and families to attain goal of economic self-sufficiency and family well being and, in so doing, to reduce poverty. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and related programs should help families achieve economic independence and child and family well being.
2. Employment and Training: Every individual who has the ability to work, at whatever level, should have access to training and job-related services that will enable him/her to obtain and retain employment equal to his/her to obtain and retain employment equal to his/her abilities and sufficient to support a decent standard of living.
3. Affordable Housing: All Americans have a right to adequate and affordable housing.The federal government should ensure that low-income people, elderly persons on limited incomes and people with disabilities have access to adequate and affordable housing by investing in the production, rehabilitation, and financing of affordable, accessible housing stock.
4. Child Care: Affordable, accessible child care is a necessity for children of working parents, especially those who cannot afford care at market rates or for whom quality care is not available.   Quality is an essential criterion as children progress developmentally.
5. Health Care: Quality health care should be accessible to all people, regardless of economic, language, or cultural barriers. The federal government should establish and sustain policies and programs that enable all people, including people of low or limited income and people of different cultures or who speak languages other than English, to readily access appropriate, affordable, quality health care.
6. Mental Health: People with, or at risk of mental disorders or addictive disorders must be afforded access to needed treatment and other services on the same basis, and subject to the same terms and conditions, as care and services for medical and surgical conditions. The federal government must ensure that public and private health plans afford people equitable access to and reimbursement for needed mental health care and addiction services without regard to the severity or cause of their mental health problems.
7. Youth Development: Recognizing children and youth for the assets they are and possess and involving them in activities which build and strengthen those assets benefit young people, families, and communities more effectively than problem-focused strategies and provide resources for community-driven positive youth development strategies and programs.
8. Education for Children & Youth with Disabilities: All Children, including children and youth with disabilities, should be able to receive a public education that meets their needs. The federal government should provide funding sufficient to cover all children and youth qualified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
9. Care & Services for the Elderly: Every older American should be able to live as independently as he or she is capable and receive high-quality care, regardless of means, when and where s/he needs it. The federal government should support programs and policies that ensure that care for the elderly is accessible, coordinated, and of the highest quality and that responds to the desires of elderly Americans to remain in their homes or communities of choice, living with dignity and at the highest level of their abilities as ling as they possibly can.
10. Choice & Effectiveness of Services: This statement say Americans have the right to choose health and human service providers, regardless of their affiliation, and to expect and receive the best, most effective services available. The rights of American to receive effective accountable services and of taxpayers to expect and receive full accountability for publicly funded programs must be of primary consideration in the use of government funds for health and human services.
11. National & Community Service: National and community service programs should enhance and supplement the effective delivery of health and human services and build the capacities of communities and organizations as they foster civic involvement. The corporation for National and Community Service and other federal sponsors of community service should incorporate partnership, innovation, and flexibility in their relationship with organizational grantees at all levels; and should bridge programs and grant-makers mechanisms to achieve the best possible outcomes for people and communities served.

Getting an online masters degree is everyone wish especially those in the public policy. You may not have the time to go for a regular program by attending the physical classes due to the nature of work you are doing. Online program helps you achieve your academic dreams and improve on the skills and knowledge at the click of the buttons on your computer. The advantages of this program is that it helps you attain your masters in shorter time, you can live at home than travel all the way to the university, it gives you the flexibility since the materials and course is available 24 hours, the technology used to teach are well known and interesting to use than sometimes having to attend a boring lecture.

The online public policy masters program will help you pursue career opportunities that promote public interest and give you added value for your employer. This makes you flexible for prospective employment loaded with professional skills that can be transferred to government, NGO, associations, private sector and international organizations. This course is adequate for those working with the public service, non-governmental organizations or private sectors. Other public professionals who are involved in public policies. This course covers fields like policy process, implementation and delivery of public service, and issues that affect policy making and delivery. It helps promote your skills in creation, analysis, influence of regulations and develop problem solving approaches affecting people at the local, national and international levels. Online masters in public policy helps you retain your job while increasing your knowledge bank that may mean an increase in your payments or salary or alternatively open for you better opportunities.

The online masters in public policy is available in most of the universities such as the university of Phoenix, Capella university, Walden university, Grand Canyon university, California Polytechnic state university and university of Minnesota among other many universities.

While choosing the best university to have your online masters program it is necessary to consider the reputation of the online institution. The institution’s masters program should be recognized and accepted in your work industry.  You should research about the accreditation of the online masters program and school. Some masters degrees from other universities may not be accredited therefore not recognized and going for such may mean wastage of time and money. The cost of completing the online program, the flexibility of the program and whether it matches your schedule, the length of the program, and the technology or mode of teaching should also be looked at.