What characterizes a public bill?

A public bill is characterized by its focus on issues that have a broad impact on the general community. It is introduced in a legislative assembly to address matters that affect society at large, such as public health, education, or infrastructure. These bills undergo debate and scrutiny because they are meant to enact laws that will influence the lives of many people, rather than serving the interests of a specific individual or private group.

In contrast, a bill concerning private affairs pertains to the legal interests of individuals and does not address the wider community. Furthermore, while public bills are often proposed by elected officials, they are not drafted by members of the general public. The requirement for a secret vote is not a defining feature of public bills; typically, the voting process for such bills is conducted openly, reflecting the nature of democratic governance. Thus, the correct answer properly encapsulates the essence of what a public bill entails.