Which of the following attributes is essential for public policy?

Public policy fundamentally involves the actions and decisions made by governmental entities to address societal issues, guide behavior, or allocate resources. One essential attribute of public policy is that it includes the government wielding its power of coercion and force.

This aspect is critical because public policy often requires enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. Governments have the authority to impose regulations and laws that may mandate certain behaviors or prohibit others, using various forms of enforcement such as fines, penalties, or legal actions to uphold these policies. The legitimacy of a government's power is derived from the consent of the governed, but it also includes the ability to enforce rules that reflect policy decisions.

While the other options might touch on related issues, they do not capture the intrinsic connection between public policy and governmental authority. Public policy does not rely on private organizations for implementation or solely on public opinion, nor is there a guarantee that every policy will benefit the majority, as often policies are subject to debate and varied interpretations regarding their impact on different groups within society.