A public consultation is a regulatory process through which the opinion of a group of people is sought on matters that affect them. Its main objectives are to improve efficiency, transparency[1]​ and public participation in large-scale projects or laws and policies. It usually involves notification (to make known the issue to be consulted), consultation (a two-way flow of information and exchange of opinions) as well as participation (involving interest groups in the development of policies or laws). A frequently used tool to understand the different levels of community participation in consultation is known as the Arnstein ladder, although some scholars dispute that the Arnstein ladder is contextually specific and was not intended to be a universal tool. Ineffective consultations are considered those cosmetic consultations that are carried out out of mere obligation or spectacle and not true participatory decision making.

Public consultations are typically held in Commonwealth countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or Australia, although most democratic countries have similar systems. In the United States, for example, this process is called “public notice and comment” (see regulatory power). Some organizations, such as the OECD, also use these processes.[1]​ In Canada, the word consultation has a special meaning among some First Nations groups: "it is the duty of the Crown and third parties to consult with First Nations who have asserted, but not proven, Aboriginal rights or title."[4]​.

There is a wide variety of public consultations. In some countries there is a list of all consultations, or consultations are mentioned in the regular news. Depending on the country there may be national or regional public consultations.

Authoritarian systems generally tend to take a dim view of public consultations. In the writings of Benito Mussolini, he expressed the view that fascism offered "freedom" of expression, but only to people who were "qualified" to have an opinion.[5] Similarly, in the historical development of Nazism, public commentators at official rallies of the National Socialist Workers Party were frequently beaten by the mob or, if there were a large number of people supporting the adverse commentator, fights broke out.[6]