What does public participation aim to achieve?

Public participation aims to foster the effective engagement of citizens in the rulemaking process. This involvement allows individuals to contribute their perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more informed decision-making that reflects the needs and desires of the community. By emphasizing citizen engagement, public participation helps ensure that diverse viewpoints are considered, which is vital for creating policies that are more democratic and representative of the population's interests.

This approach not only enhances transparency in government actions but also builds trust between government entities and the public. When citizens are actively involved, they are more likely to be invested in the outcomes, which can lead to greater accountability and legitimacy of the policy being developed. In contrast, options that suggest limited involvement, withdrawal of public opinions, or full control by government entities undermine the foundational principles of democracy and often result in policies that do not adequately represent the public's needs or concerns.