Explain the meaning and characteristics of public opinion.
Answers
Answer:
Different scholars define Public Opinion differently. Some define it as the
opinion of all people while others describe it as a majority opinion. However
Public opinion is primarily a political opinion that concerns the collective life
of people. Public opinion connotes following things:
1. Public is not opinion less. It has an opinion.
2. Public opinion matters in democracy as well as in other form of
governance. One can ignore it at the cost of rebellion, resistance.
3. Public opinion increasingly becomes a source of validation of rule.
In simple words we can say that public opinion is neither the opinion of all
nor it is the majority opinion. It is an opinion which is generally held by all
and its purpose is to highlightthe welfare of all. It is a consensus opinion
which enjoys the support of a very large majority of people. It is not even
opposed by the minorities as it reflects a concern for the welfare of all.
Public opinion is always characterised by the following features:
1. General Agreement
It is an opinion behind which there is a general agreement or a consensus.
2. Rational/Logical:
Public opinion is rational. It is logical. Its validity can be demonstrated by
logic or reason.
3. General Welfare:
Public opinion is always governed by the idea of promotion of general public
welfare.