Public opinion is a topic studied under democracy which as a form of government has to respect public opinion. Public opinion, in politics, is to be made effective in practice. In modern times, latest scientific devices are used to develop and influence public opinion. It is a fact that public opinion was obtained against prohibition, gold control and also on Bank Nationalization Act 1969.
Public opinion is one that determines what government does. The people and their opinion, precisely count much and even can do or undo government. Public opinion is an important social and political force, not to be ignored in the modern world. In highly advanced democracies, much thought has been given to study the problems related to the public opinion, which is broadly recognized as a social force that enters as active participants, in government. Ignoring public opinion will invite trouble for the political parties.
In Britain and USA, political parties, newspapers, films and radios and televisions, work most effectively, to create public opinion. In democracies, seizure of political power, depends on directing public opinion. In democracies, people have the right to express their opinion freely, provided the opinion is not defamatory. In backward countries, as people cannot read and write or think properly, the formation of public opinion is restricted. Illiterate people are incompetent to give their opinion on political issues. People must have a high degree of political knowledge, to study government policies.
Salient writers, providing the people with needy materials for knowing public opinion while outstanding scholars, journalists, express views in public meetings and in their writings, in leading national level newspapers, periodicals and popular magazines to influence public opinion, to educate citizens, especially during the time of elections, to fully furnish the information, pertaining to the good and bad performance of the ruling government.
