(a) Define public opinion. (b) What are its characteristics?

Answer Details

(a) Definition of public opinion

Public opinion is the collective view, belief or feeling held and expressed by a substantial or dominant section of the people in a community on an issue of common concern at a given time. It is not necessarily the opinion of every individual, but the prevailing or preponderant opinion of the people on a matter of public interest to which government is expected to pay attention.

(b) Characteristics of public opinion

1. It is collective: It is the shared opinion of a large group or the majority of the people, not the private view of a single individual.
2. It is on a public issue: It relates to matters of general or common interest to the community, such as government policy, rather than purely personal affairs.
3. It is dynamic and changeable: Public opinion is not fixed; it shifts from time to time with new information, events and circumstances.
4. It is expressed: To be effective it must be openly made known through such means as the press, elections, protests, opinion polls and public debate.
5. It is rational and reasoned: Genuine public opinion is based on reflection and reasoning on an issue rather than on mere impulse.
6. It influences government: A well-formed public opinion carries weight and tends to guide or compel the government to act in a particular way.