Public Opinion

Public opinion always indicates people’s consent on anything on politics. It is a collective opinion of people opined/ expressed fearlessly. It has a decisive and abiding value. Public opinion is defined as the verdict of people/men and women of the country out of the court.

Importance: General people observe the governmental activities and then hold a discussion from man to man and then express their opinion in a direct way or through their elected representatives. People in general can express their opinions in the democratic from of the government’s this form of government is ultimately run by public opinion. No government or no order can last long ignoring or suppressing public opinion. If any govt. is elected with majority votes of the people can realize its popularity with the people. If public opinion favors the existing govt. it can last long, lest it should be toppled down. Hence lies the importance of public opinion. 

Freedom of speech is to be assured as the fundamental right in a democracy. This finally reflected in the general election of the country. No rule can long last surpassing or ignoring public opinion. The British rulers tried hard to ignore or suppress the legitimated opinion of people. During the British rule a certain political thinker said, “What prevails in the country today is neither public nor opinion”. The government of a country is aware that public is the source of all governmental power. As a result, their opinion in a democratic government can under no circumstances be ignored. Public in a democracy express their opinions in one voice on such matters as can benefit them widely. 

The famous political scientists also support public opinion. They want to establish it in the government works. They treat it from different paradoxical points of views. Hence it is commonly understood that public opinion plays an important role in the democratic government.

How people express opinions: To govern public opinion there are some agencies or organs in any country. Foremost of this is the freedom of the press. Freedom of speech/expression is to be assured as the fundamental right in a democracy. 

The government of the people by the people and for the people, in the light of the definition, public opinion can under no circumstances be ignored or suppressed. Newspapers and periodicals also contribute what is known as the forth estate. Newspapers instruct public opinion by supplying and publishing true reports, honest and unbiased comments on it. In public speeches, meetings, picketing and debate burning political issues are also trashed. This is at length, reflected in the general election of the country. There are other media like radio, television, cinema, theater which help in forming and molding public opinion. That political party is successful in relying public opinion in its favor finally that wins the election convincingly.

Examples: People of the country are regarded as the governed. The constitution is a collection of rules according to which the powers of the government and the rights of the governed and the relation between them are adjusted. According to the constitution, people have democratic right to express their opinions and views. History the silent witness has shown how ineffective it has been too hoodwink public opinion. Julius Caesar and Nero in ancient days or Hitler and Idi-Amin could not defy public opinion for long. However, high or mighty the dictator or autocrat might be, he shall have to length, to submit to the collective and crystallized expression of public opinion. The French Revolution in 1789, as for example, was nothing but the explosive public opinion. Pakistan had independence in 1947, but also ignored public opinion and suppressed their voice without any hesitation. So the country became fate less and lost his territory and sovereign power. Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in 1971. Bangladesh, after birth, has been maintaining a true tradition respecting public opinion.  

Usefulness: Public opinion is also useful for the democratic government. If the government work goes against the interest of the people, they can raise a protesting voice. It helps the govt. to be alert and careful in all respects. The govt. can change its decision or alter and amend its plans or policies.

The negligence of public opinion brings a heavy loss on the existence of the government. Public and their opinions are closely related like the tree and its brakes. So public opinion has a positive effect on the government.