Social policies are often controversial for several reasons, but the most fitting answer among the options provided is:
b. they require government to balance the rights and liberties of different groups.
This is because social policies often aim to address complex social issues that affect various groups in society differently. As a result, policymakers must navigate competing interests and rights, which can lead to disagreements and controversies among different segments of the population. Balancing these rights and liberties while trying to achieve equity and justice can be a challenging and divisive task.