The issues that attract serious attention of public officials at a given time are called what?

• A. Public policy
• B. Participatory democracy
• C. Policy agenda
• D. Popular sovereignty

Answer: (C)

Policy agenda refers to the set of issues that public officials prioritize and pay serious attention to at a given time. It isn’t about the laws or programs that end up being adopted, but about what topics rise to the forefront for consideration, debate, and resource allocation. Crises, political events, interest groups, media attention, and public opinion often help push certain issues onto the agenda, while others fade from view. Once an issue is on the agenda, policymakers discuss, shape proposals, and decide whether to act.

Public policy, by contrast, means the actual laws, decisions, and programs that governments implement. Participatory democracy emphasizes broad citizen involvement in the policymaking process. Popular sovereignty is the idea that ultimate political authority lies with the people.