Question

Which of the following statement(s) about public opinion is/are true?
(i) There is no fixed definition of ‘public opinion’.
(ii) In a democracy, the government is expected to respect and consider the will of people in the process of making policies.
(iii) Political parties try to influence people through public meetings, functions and processions during the elections.
(iv) Cinema is not an influential tool in forming public opinion. Moreover, it needs to be heavily regulated by the government.

• A. (i), (iv)
• B. (i), (ii), (iii)
• C. (ii), (iii)
• D. (iii), (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is B (i), (ii), (iii)

Public opinion is an important part of democratic governance. There is no fixed definition of ‘public opinion’. Leaders and governments can understand it through sample surveys, social media or media reports. In a democracy, the government is expected to respect and consider the will of people in the process of making policies. Public opinion can be shaped or expressed through political means like public meetings, elections, political parties, and legislature discussions. It can also be shaped and expressed through cinema, educational institutions, print, and electronic media.