Final answer:
The general public's policy positions can vary and may not directly align with regular voters, often falling along a spectrum from moderate to liberal or conservative depending on current socio-economic factors and perceived government roles by different political parties. option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the comparison of policy positions between the general public and regular voters. Studying the intricacies of public opinion reveals that overall policy positions of the public as a whole can be moderate, liberal, or conservative depending on various factors such as economic conditions and the prevailing public mood. For instance, James Stimson's study on public mood showed that the public opinion fluctuates over time, which could affect politicians' policy decisions. Additionally, polarization among party members can lead to differing government roles as perceived by Democrats and Republicans. Moreover, modern liberals are more comfortable with government interventions for social and economic reforms while conservatives favor less government involvement. Finally, politicians tend to adjust their stances depending on shifts in public mood, especially if it means maintaining their chances in elections.