Answer:
The impact of public opinion on public officials is immense. Public opinion has the ability to shape and alter policymaking by providing feedback to elected representatives about what their constituents want or doesn't want. Changes in public opinion can be seen in almost every aspect of policymaking, from tax laws to environmental regulations.
For example, public pressure influenced the passage of The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973, establishing a comprehensive program for protecting endangered species and their habitats across the United States. This law was created due to an overwhelming shift in public view towards more significant conservation - something largely ignored before this act was passed.