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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.
What else can I help you with?
What factors determine the formulation of public opinion in a democracy?
Democracy is a Greek word which means: Mob rule. Mob mentality is hardly the sort of opinion anyone should want to use as council. There is no greater kangaroo court than the court of public opinion. Logic and reason give way to common sense and common sense gives way to common sentiments and common sentiments give way to mistrust and fear. Why is public opinion held in such regard? I'm not exactly sure what Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan are up to as I try to avoid this type of news but it's clear just by listening to public opinion that they are surely up to something and the public is fascinated by it. In the United States the word democracy is bandied about as some sort of buzz word for honored freedom. Yet in the United States the Constitution provides for a republican form of democracy with clear restraints placed upon a democracy. Those restraints exist because the framers didn't trust public opinion any more than I do today. Public opinion is not to be trusted exactly because people like to ask questions like what factors determine the formulation of public opinion in a democracy. What factors? How about propaganda? Psychological fear, the promise of plunder, protection from our common enemies no matter how real, these are factors that determine public opinion anywhere. Follow the masses if you so chose, you are free to do so. That is, of course, unless the masses have gained a true democracy and the majority has decided that you are not free to do so after all.
Why is public opinions so important?
popular opinion is a shifting target and is only one facet of democratic debate. for instance, the notorious Dred Scot decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which held at that time upheld racial discrimination, was a POPULAR decision, regardless of it's obvious improper interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.
What are bad things about a direct democracy?
There are a number of bad things about a direct democracy. Some of them include a simple majority taking away the rights of the others, too much public opinion can be volatile for a country and so much more.
Can you be a Republic without being a Democracy?
Yes, a republic is a form of government where the country is considered a "public matter" controlled by the people's representatives, while a democracy is a system where the people have a direct say in decision-making. So, technically, a country could be a republic without being a democracy if power is held by elected officials who are not directly accountable to the people.
Is a caucus or a convention closer to a direct democracy?
A caucus or a convention to choose whom a party will support during an election does not necessarily create a situation closer to a direct democracy. What it does do is cap the level at which democracy occurs. For example, John is a Republican. He wants Ben to become president. John votes in the caucus for Ben, but Ben does not win. Instead, Paul wins and becomes the Republican presidential candidate. At this point in time, John's opinion is thrown out the window. He is left with 3 choices : vote with his party, vote Democrat, or vote for some third party guy (notice how none of these are his original opinion?) So, no, a caucus or convention is not closer to a direct democracy. Hope this helps ^_^
What factors determine the formulation of public opinion in a democracy?
Democracy is a Greek word which means: Mob rule. Mob mentality is hardly the sort of opinion anyone should want to use as council. There is no greater kangaroo court than the court of public opinion. Logic and reason give way to common sense and common sense gives way to common sentiments and common sentiments give way to mistrust and fear. Why is public opinion held in such regard? I'm not exactly sure what Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan are up to as I try to avoid this type of news but it's clear just by listening to public opinion that they are surely up to something and the public is fascinated by it. In the United States the word democracy is bandied about as some sort of buzz word for honored freedom. Yet in the United States the Constitution provides for a republican form of democracy with clear restraints placed upon a democracy. Those restraints exist because the framers didn't trust public opinion any more than I do today. Public opinion is not to be trusted exactly because people like to ask questions like what factors determine the formulation of public opinion in a democracy. What factors? How about propaganda? Psychological fear, the promise of plunder, protection from our common enemies no matter how real, these are factors that determine public opinion anywhere. Follow the masses if you so chose, you are free to do so. That is, of course, unless the masses have gained a true democracy and the majority has decided that you are not free to do so after all.
What are De Tocqueville's 3 generative principle of democracy?
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.
Would it be better for the US to have direct democracy?
That is a question of opinion so there is no right or wrong answer. :)
How did Plato's opinion of democracy differ from Socrates opinion?
plato smells really bad and is old and Socrates was the man so he obviously was right..
What is the relationship between public opinion and policy-making?
Public opinion is views represented by the general public and policy making is adopted by the government. SO - public opinion can impact policy making in a positive or negative way, whether it is in your favor or not in your favor.
How can an opinion held by the public NOT be a public opinion?
Public opinon is so complex that it can not be readily defined.From what has been said about it to this point,however, public opinion cab be described this way: those attitudes held by a significant number of people on matters of government and politis
What is public opinion about same-sex marriage?
As of 2013, public opinion is in favor of gay marriage by a small majority, about 53% or so in most polls.
What is so important about democracy?
it gives people more rights.
What are seven sources that public officials use to determine public opinion?
the answer is in your government book, so stop cheating ;)
Why government listen to the public opinion?
so the government can have public backing, which would ultimately result in re-election
Why is nuclear energy worth discussing?
Because it is an important part of electricity production, and more new plants are planned. Much public opinion is against this, so it needs to be discussed.
Why is it so important for a democracy to have investigative journalists?
A free press is very important in a democracy. The public needs to know the various things that are going on in government and investigators keep politicians honest by the investigation of stories and rumors. Without the efforts of investigation of the Watergate break in Nixon would have gotten away with his sending the men into the democratic offices.
