Public Opinion: it’s Meaning and Characteristics

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.

4. Related to all aspect of life:

Public opinion can concern any and every matter- Political, Social, Economic,
or Cultural.
5. Upholds Morality

Public opinion always upholds the moral values of society. It is never against
morality.

6. Not an Imposed Opinion:

Public opinion is not an imposed opinion. It is a generally held consensus

opinion and is the result of growth.

7. Neither Destructive nor Negative :

Public opinion is never destructive and negative. It is positive in content

because it always represents public welfare.

8. Based on Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression:

The right to freedom of speech and expression is the most essential condition
for the birth of public opinion.

9. Basis of Democracy:

Public opinion plays a deterministic role in a democracy. All policies of a

democratic government rest upon public opinion. The government can
remain in power and work successfully only when it is backed by public
opinion.

10. Real Sanction behind Laws of the State:

Public opinion is the real sanction behind all laws and policies of a
democratic state. Supremacy of public opinion reflects the sovereignty of
people, which is the very basis of a democracy.