Final answer:
Public opinion heavily influences elections and government policy, providing elected officials a reflection of voter preferences which then informs their policy agendas. While public opinion polling informs politicians and media about voter preferences, it raises questions about whether government action responds directly to these polls or if they act more as tools for understanding constituent demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public Opinion and Elections
The role of public opinion in influencing the election of officials who oversee government policies is significant. As noted by key researchers and in practice, when public opinion demands change, such as seeking economic reform or healthcare amendments, government policy often reflects these priorities. For instance, the election of President Barack Obama was heavily influenced by the public's concern for the economy, jobs, and health care, which then shaped his policy agenda including the Affordable Care Act and economic stimulus package.
However, public opinion polling serves multiple purposes beyond elections. It acts as a tool for politicians, including those who believe in delegate representation, to gauge the desires of their constituents on various policy issues. Moreover, polling's influence extends to media coverage, as it can determine the perceived importance of candidates, and to politicians' decision-making, as it provides a sense of voters’ preferences. Public opinion is a central element of the democratic process, functioning as a feedback mechanism through which voters' preferences are communicated to elected officials, prompting them to enact laws that reflect those preferences.
Public Opinion and Government Policy
Elite individuals and specialists often interpret and manage public opinion, a notion supported by journalist Walter Lippmann. This perspective suggests that the public relies on these elites for information on political events and policies due to the impracticality of individuals keeping up with the vast array of national issues. Additionally, there's a debate on whether government officials use public opinion polls merely as a guide for their actions or if polls also serve to fulfill the theory of delegate representation.