Third, a program or proposal must be developed that will address the issue under consideration and suggest a solution to the problem or issue. This is called policy formation. This may take a long time particularly if the issue is a complex one like national health care or the reduction of crime. This process often involves compromise on the part of legislators and executives, particularly in a body like the U.S. Congress with a majority of the 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 members of the Senate having to agree on every piece of legislation passed by Congress. All of these steps are part of what we call the public policymaking process.
All steps can and often do involve the participation of citizens.