The difference between “politics” and “policy”

Politics is mainly used about activities relating to government (local, national or international) and to people and organisations that want to influence government.

Some examples:

• He entered politics with the intention of improving people’s lives.
• She studied politics at university.
• They disagreed because of their different views on politics.

The term ‘office politics’ is used about what happens in organisations. It particularly refers to attempts to control things and to disagreements about what should happen.

For example:

• People are spending so much time arguing about office politics that they aren’t doing enough work.
• You have to be very good at office politics if you want to become a manager.

‘Politics’ is mostly used as a singular noun.

For example:

• Politics is a dirty business.
• Politics is all he lives for.

But it is normally used as a plural noun when it is used to mean ‘political beliefs’.

For example:

• Her politics often get her into trouble.
• Their politics have become more green in the past five years.

Policy is mainly used about the plans, proposals or principles of an organisation or an individual.

Some examples:

• It is the government’s policy to reduce taxation.
• The company has a policy of not testing on animals.
• If she is elected as mayor, she will implement a policy of planting more trees.
• I make it a policy not to eat too much red meat.

A ‘policy’ (or ‘insurance policy’) is a document setting out an agreement between an insurance company and the person or organisation being insured.

For example:

• Check your policy to see if you are insured for a delayed flight.
• Remember to keep your policy in a safe place.

.

With thanks to Denis for the question.