Is fiscal policy the same thing as a fiscal cliff? If not, then how do they differ? Also what are some important policies in foreign countries that affected citizens their citizens?

No.

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fiscalpolicy.asp

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fiscalcliff.asp

With about 196 countries around the world, it would take several books to go into their policies. In general government policies affect their citizens in much the same way they do in the U.S. Some countries have rigid censorship, and their citizens don't have the freedoms found in western nations.

FISCAL:

Of or relating to government expenditures, revenues, and debt: a fiscal policy of incurring budget deficits to stimulate a weak economy.
Of or relating to finance or finances.
http://www.answers.com/fiscal

Fiscal policies are any decisions regarding how a government spends money. Not all fiscal policies have to do with a "fiscal cliff" -- http://www.answers.com/topic/united-states-fiscal-cliff

You should read up on the fiscal policies recently enacted in Greece and Crete. Those were negative for those countries' people. You should also read about fiscal policies in place in Germany or France or Switzerland or just about any other country you can think of. Go to www.google.com and enter fiscal policies Germany or whatever country you want to explore in this manner.

Fiscal policy and a fiscal cliff are not the same thing, although they are related concepts. Let's start by understanding each one individually:

1. Fiscal Policy: Fiscal policy refers to the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy. Governments use fiscal policy to achieve various objectives such as economic growth, price stability, and reducing unemployment. It involves making decisions about how much money the government should spend on various programs and services, as well as how much revenue it should generate through taxes.

To understand fiscal policy, you would need to study the economic policies and actions taken by a specific government or country. This can involve analyzing government budgets, tax rates, spending priorities, and other related factors.

2. Fiscal Cliff: The fiscal cliff is a term used to describe a situation where a combination of tax increases and spending cuts occur at the same time, resulting in a significant reduction in the budget deficit. This term gained prominence during the U.S. budget crisis in 2012 when a series of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts were scheduled to take effect unless a compromise was reached by lawmakers.

The fiscal cliff is essentially the result of specific policy measures expiring or coming into effect simultaneously, which can have a significant impact on the economy. The term is often used in a broader context to describe any potential economic crisis resulting from unfavorable fiscal conditions.

Now, let's move on to the second part of your question regarding important policies in foreign countries that affected their citizens. It is important to note that policies can vary significantly from one country to another, and the impact on citizens depends on various factors such as the nature of the policy, the country's economic conditions, and the specific needs of its population. However, here are a few examples of important policies in recent times and their impact on citizens in different countries:

1. Universal Healthcare: Several countries, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have implemented universal healthcare systems to ensure that all citizens have access to essential healthcare services. Such policies aim to provide affordable and quality healthcare for everyone, thereby positively impacting the well-being of the citizens.

2. Education Reforms: Countries like Finland and Singapore have implemented education policies focused on improving the quality of education and enhancing the skills of their citizens. These policies have helped in creating a highly educated workforce and driving socio-economic development.

3. Welfare Systems: Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have robust welfare systems aimed at reducing income inequality and providing social protections to their citizens. These policies include social assistance, unemployment benefits, and subsidized childcare, contributing to a higher standard of living and social stability.

4. Infrastructure Development: Many countries, such as China and India, have pursued policies aimed at developing their infrastructure to support economic growth. Building transportation networks, energy systems, and communication networks have provided opportunities for economic development and improved the quality of life for citizens.

It's important to delve deeper into each country's specific policies to truly understand their impact on citizens and their effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.