Public opinion is important in democracy because it reflects the will of the people, who elect their representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It serves as a mechanism of accountability for policymakers and helps ensure that government actions align with the interests and values of the public. Public opinion also plays a crucial role in shaping public policies and influencing the functioning of democratic institutions.
It aims at influencing public opinion-since PR recognizew the power of public opinion,it aims at influencing it. aims of public relations
Robert S. Erikson has written: 'ill-American Public Opinion' 'Statehouse democracy' -- subject(s): States, State governments, Public opinion
MICHAEL BRATTON has written: 'PUBLIC OPINION, DEMOCRACY, AND MARKET REFORM IN AFRICA'
The formulation of public opinion in a democracy is influenced by a variety of factors, including media coverage, political leadership, social influence, education levels, and personal experiences. Public opinion can also be shaped by cultural values, economic conditions, and individual beliefs. In a democratic society, the interaction of these factors helps to shape the collective views and attitudes of the population.
Alexis de Tocqueville's theory of Democracy is based on three "generative principles." The first of these "generative principles" is equality of conditions. For Democracy to exist there must be equality. In his famous work Democracy in America, Tocqueville states "rights must be given to each citizen or to no one." It is this equality of conditions that serve as the seeds of Democracy. According to Tocqueville, this equality of conditions served as a "generative principle" for Democracy Another "generative principle" for democracy was sovereignty of the people. Just as sovereignty of the people is a "generative principle," so is public opinion. Public opinion is what drives democracy. Despite the prospects of the tyranny of the majority, Tocqueville felt democracy was the way of the future. He believed that democracy was the destiny for modern nation states and that monarchies and aristocracies would soon disappear. Democracy represented the negation of the aristocracy. Tocqueville used the term "providential" when describing the spread of democracy. Tocqueville wanted to convey a sense of predetermined historical and divine triumph. In order for democracy to triumph the "generative principles" of equality of conditions, sovereignty of the people, and public opinion needed to exist.
Maung Myint has written: 'The international response to the democracy movement in Burma since 1962' -- subject(s): Politics and government, Foreign public opinion, Democracy, Foreign relations
Public service is essential in democracy as it ensures the efficient delivery of services to the people, promotes transparency and accountability in government, and encourages citizen participation in decision-making processes. It helps maintain the trust of the public in democratic institutions and ensures that elected officials serve the best interests of the community.
Georg Zumsteg has written: 'Wahrheit und Volksmeining' -- subject(s): Philosophy, Truth, Democracy, Public opinion
issues of public opinion are related to public affairs
why is the opinion of the public about a popular movie or television program not a good example of public opinion?
At the most basic level, political scientists often ascribe two properties to a functioning democracy: 1. the ability of the public to contest elections against the incumbent government, with significant suffrage; 2. that public action or opinion can and does influence the actions of the government.