What distinguishes a public bill from a private member's bill?

The distinction highlighted in the correct response centers on the roles and limitations surrounding the introduction of bills in the legislative process. Public bills are indeed introduced primarily to address issues that affect the entire public, and they can be proposed not just by government ministers but by any member of the parliament. This inclusivity allows for a broader range of issues to be considered, reflecting a wide array of public concerns.

On the other hand, private members' bills, despite the name suggesting otherwise, are typically introduced by members of the legislature who are not part of the government. While they can cover significant issues, they represent the interests of individual members rather than the government as a whole. This delineation is crucial in understanding how legislative priorities are formed and how different voices are represented in the law-making process.

Understanding these distinctions aids in grasping the overall structure and functionality of the legislative system, especially in contexts where various stakeholders seek to influence law through different types of proposals.