Who typically tries to set the political agenda?

The political agenda is primarily influenced and set by heads of government, courts, and legislators. These individuals and institutions hold positions of authority that enable them to identify key issues and prioritize them in the political sphere. Heads of government, such as presidents or prime ministers, often use their platforms to bring attention to specific policies or problems they believe warrant legislative action.

Legislators, including members of Congress or similar parliamentary bodies, have the power to propose and debate new laws, thus directly influencing which topics become the focus of public and political discourse. Additionally, courts can impact the political agenda through their rulings, as judicial decisions can highlight important societal issues and lead to legislative changes or increased public awareness.

While media organizations play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and informing the populace about various issues, their influence operates differently than that of government officials who have the actual power to enact change. Civic organizations and NGO leaders can advocate for specific issues and mobilize citizen support, but ultimately, the authority to formalize these issues as part of the political agenda rests with those in government positions. International governing bodies can bring attention to global issues, but their influence is also contingent on national governments responding to their agendas.