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Public opinion can be defined as the public voice.
Public opinion can be defined as the public voice.
True
Assessing the importance of issues can be done inaccurately.
Assessing the importance of issues can be done inaccurately.
True
The USA is considered the least democratic country in the world.
The USA is considered the least democratic country in the world.
False
Prof. Hanaa Farouk Saleh wrote about public opinion in relation to democratic countries.
Prof. Hanaa Farouk Saleh wrote about public opinion in relation to democratic countries.
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Scientific measurement guarantees exact results in assessing issues.
Scientific measurement guarantees exact results in assessing issues.
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Public opinion is irrelevant in democratic societies.
Public opinion is irrelevant in democratic societies.
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It is possible to measure the importance of issues scientifically.
It is possible to measure the importance of issues scientifically.
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According to the content, the USA claims to be the most democratic country.
According to the content, the USA claims to be the most democratic country.
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Important issues can be assessed exactly without any scientific method.
Important issues can be assessed exactly without any scientific method.
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The question of accurately measuring issues is a simple one.
The question of accurately measuring issues is a simple one.
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The spiral of silence theory relates to how public opinion is formed.
The spiral of silence theory relates to how public opinion is formed.
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Public opinion only includes the views of adults under the age of 30.
Public opinion only includes the views of adults under the age of 30.
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Public opinion is defined as the collective thoughts of people on private matters.
Public opinion is defined as the collective thoughts of people on private matters.
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Individual opinions do not contribute to the formation of public opinion.
Individual opinions do not contribute to the formation of public opinion.
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Public opinion reflects the consensus among a group of experts only.
Public opinion reflects the consensus among a group of experts only.
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Public opinion is the combination of private opinions that can be expressed publicly on specific issues.
Public opinion is the combination of private opinions that can be expressed publicly on specific issues.
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Public opinion is only concerned with issues that do not affect the community.
Public opinion is only concerned with issues that do not affect the community.
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Controversial issues are not a part of public opinion.
Controversial issues are not a part of public opinion.
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Private opinions can never influence public opinion.
Private opinions can never influence public opinion.
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Public opinion represents a singular view held by a majority of the community.
Public opinion represents a singular view held by a majority of the community.
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Technocrats, opinion leaders, and interest groups are less knowledgeable about matters of public affairs.
Technocrats, opinion leaders, and interest groups are less knowledgeable about matters of public affairs.
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State priorities can include issues like tax and gun control.
State priorities can include issues like tax and gun control.
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All opinions can be treated equally regardless of the intensity of the opinion.
All opinions can be treated equally regardless of the intensity of the opinion.
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The death penalty is an example of a national concern.
The death penalty is an example of a national concern.
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Foreign policy is not considered a part of public affairs.
Foreign policy is not considered a part of public affairs.
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Attitudes are defined as transient orientations toward objects.
Attitudes are defined as transient orientations toward objects.
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Attitudes help individuals make economical sense of the world.
Attitudes help individuals make economical sense of the world.
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Individuals form attitudes solely based on emotional responses.
Individuals form attitudes solely based on emotional responses.
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The concept of attitudes involves a connection to objects.
The concept of attitudes involves a connection to objects.
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Attitudes are always changeable and not stable over time.
Attitudes are always changeable and not stable over time.
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Study Notes
Public Opinion
- Public opinion is the collective voice of the public.
- In democratic countries, like the USA, the public's opinions are considered essential for guiding actions.
- Each member of the electorate is expected to be interested in public issues, motivated by principles, aware of relevant facts, and capable of making rational decisions.
- In democratic systems, public opinion is to be translated into policy actions.
- The government develops public policy based on public opinion and expert advice.
- Experts are often specialists in science or technology with substantial influence in government or industry.
- Public sovereignty is a crucial aspect of public opinion, although possibly limited.
- Types of political regimes vary from democracies (theoretically free, but with limitations in practice), to totalitarian regimes (rejecting public opinion), to authoritarian regimes (limiting freedom of expression).
Examples of Public Opinion in Action
- In the USA, Lincoln highlighted public sentiment as crucial for political success.
- Lyndon Johnson's decision not to seek reelection in 1968 was partly attributed to declining public support for the Vietnam War and his low approval ratings.
- Public dissatisfaction, such as with the Watergate scandal (Nixon's resignation), or Bill Clinton's popularity decline, can impact political decisions.
Importance and Measurement of Public Opinion
- Public opinion is viewed as the aggregate of individual adult opinions on matters of public interest.
- Accurately assessing public opinion is difficult, as importance of issues is not easily measured.
- Media influence and focus, experts, and opinion leaders greatly affect public discussion and the issues prioritized.
- Polling industries and centers (Gallup, Pew, MORI, IFOP) survey the public in democratic countries.
- In authoritarian countries, people often express their opinions in alternative methods such as through rumors and jokes.
Defining Public Opinion
- Public opinion is the summation of individual views on issues affecting the community.
- A collective majority (over 50%) plays a role in shaping the agenda, which may relate to personal interests, indirect interests, or general societal values.
- The significance of public opinion is a significant factor.
Public Opinion and Policy
- Public opinion is often a major factor in policy-making.
- Policymakers often consider public preference and demand.
- Public opinion plays a role in the determination of important issues.
Active vs. Passive Public
- An active public actively participates in expressing opinions via demonstrations, letters, TV calls, etc.
- Knowledge levels influence the stability of opinions. Opinions less based on knowledge may easily shift.
- A passive public demonstrates less concern.
Influence on Public Policy
- Public opinion often impacts public policy, though the connection can be difficult to establish definitively.
- Public officials and figures are often influenced by shared experiences and backgrounds.
- Policymakers respond to public opinion in order to keep their position in power, and to maintain a degree of political support.
- Compromises are often needed to create laws.
- Leaders may not always follow public opinion as it evolves.
Media and Public Opinion
- Media has a significant role in shaping public awareness about public issues.
- Media often focuses more on hard news (politics, education) than soft news (entertainment).
Government's Role
- In democratic countries, governments are expected to be responsive and transparent.
- Strong governance can help maintain the democratic system.
- Leaders are expected to be in office for a certain period (like 5 years) and therefore need to be receptive to public opinion.
Types of Attitudes and Opinions
- Attitudes are enduring views, establishing a framework for understanding the world.
- Opinions are verbal expressions of attitudes.
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Description
This quiz explores the importance of public opinion in shaping democratic policies. It delves into how public sentiment influences government actions and the role of experts in this process. Learn about the different political regimes and their relationship with public opinion.
