Final answer:
Public policy is the government's strategies and actions that influence behavior. Different theories of public policy help explain decisions made, including the pluralist theory and the elite theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public policy is the government's strategies and actions that influence behavior and address societal concerns. Different theories of public policy help explain the decisions made by analyzing various factors such as political parties, interest groups, the media, and individuals. One theory is the pluralist theory, which suggests that policy decisions are the result of competition among different interest groups. These groups advocate for their interests and influence policy outcomes through lobbying, fundraising, and grassroots efforts. Another theory is the elite theory, which argues that policy decisions are made by a small group of powerful individuals who have disproportionate influence and control over the policy-making process.