The step in the decision$-$making process during which the decision maker$($s$)$ consider laws, guidelines, policies, and principles that might apply to the decision is the $\_\_\_\_$ step.

a$.$

evaluate and choose alternative

b$.$

implement decision

c$.$

develop problem statement

d$.$

identify alternatives

increased by more than $10$ percentage points from $2007$ to $2009$

c$.$

stayed essentially the same

d$.$

increased from $2007$ to $2009$