Public Opinion

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

Public opinion is what people think about politics. In political science public opinion is a measure of how citizens feel about their leaders, candidates for office, issues and institutions that control the laws and government. Political leaders gauge public opinion to find out how much support there is for their policies, as well as to find out what issues are on voters’ minds. Sometimes government officials need to know if the voters will follow laws that are passed—and polling is a good way to find out. Today, we measure public opinion mostly through polling—taking small, representative samples of the population and quizzing them about their views on political issues, public policy and candidates.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. In a government and politics class, what type of public opinion are we concerned about.

  2. How much do public officials worry about public opinion?

  3. How do we measure public opinion?

  4. Does public opinion ever change over time?

  5. What emoji would best represent the concept of public opinion?

  6. What is a current example of public opinion in the news?

  7. Are you persuaded by public opinion?

  8. What is the connection between public opinion and democracy?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw public opinion! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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