Final answer:
The issues that receive significant attention from government leaders comprise the public agenda, influenced by public opinion as swayed by interest groups, media, political parties, and individual engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Issues that receive the most time, money, and attention from government leaders make up the public agenda. This concept reflects the priorities set by policymakers that are deemed important and in need of government action or intervention. The creation of the public agenda is influenced by various players including political parties, interest groups, the media, and individual citizens. These entities play pivotal roles in shaping public policy by gauging public opinions, advocating policy positions, setting the media agenda, and through direct political engagement.
Interest groups, for example, may use media tactics and public opinion polls to support their causes and influence decision-makers. The media act as agenda setters by deciding which issues deserve public attention, thus playing a significant role in the development of public policy. Political parties and individual citizens also have a voice in public policy through voting, campaigning, and engaging in policy debate.
Public opinion influences these processes and can manifest as majority opinion, elite opinion, or issue publics, reflecting the diverse views within a society. It's often assessed through polling data, which in turn can be used strategically by candidates and groups to further their objectives in the policy-making process.