Final answer:
The actions the government takes on behalf of the people are called policies. These encompass a range of governmental actions intended to influence public behavior and societal outcomes, including social welfare and regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actions the government takes on behalf of the people are called policies. These public policies comprise all decisions and actions taken by the government to influence behaviors and outcomes in society. Whether through enacting legislation, issuing orders, or creating court rulings, each of these is an instance of policy-making that aims to manage public behavior and promote societal well-being.
Public policy can be enacted in various ways, including through programs that allocate resources, regulations for protection, and decisions on funding. A notable example includes the debate on gun safety in the United States and Congress's inaction affecting the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Social welfare policies, such as food stamps, reflect the government's attempt to balance rights and liberties while addressing societal needs, highlighting the complexity and controversy surrounding policy decisions.