The role of public opinion in the democratic process is highly contested and controversial. There is no single answer to this question, and opinions vary widely among different people and groups.
Some believe that public opinion is an important factor that can influence and shape government policy and decision-making. Others argue that the role of public opinion is overstated, and that government officials and politicians are not as influenced by public opinion as commonly thought.
There is no easy answer to this question. It is important to consider all of the different factors involved in the complex relationship between public opinion and the democratic process.