Public Opinion

Meaning

• Public Opinion: The collective opinion, views, and attitudes of citizens on political, social, and economic issues.

• It reflects what people think, want, and expect from the government.

• It is the backbone of democracy since rulers in a democracy must be accountable to the people.

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Features of Public Opinion

1. Collective in nature – Not individual, but opinion of the majority.

2. Dynamic – Changes with time, events, awareness, and leadership.

3. Influenced by social factors – caste, religion, education, media, etc.

4. Linked to democracy – Strong in democratic states, weak in dictatorships.

5. Not always unanimous – Can be divided, but majority view prevails.

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Agencies of Public Opinion

1. Press & Media (Print + Electronic + Digital) – Newspapers, TV, Social Media shape mass opinion.

2. Political Parties – Mobilize people through campaigns, rallies, manifestos.

3. Elections – Act as instruments to express public opinion.

4. Educational Institutions – Create awareness and political socialization.

5. Pressure Groups & NGOs – Influence policies in favor of certain groups.

6. Parliament & Debates – Voice people’s concerns.

7. Public Meetings / Rallies / Petitions – Reflect collective mood of citizens.

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Importance of Public Opinion

• Acts as a check on government’s power.

• Strengthens democracy & accountability.

• Guides policy-making.

• Protects rights of citizens.

• Helps in social change & reforms (e.g., Anti-corruption movement, RTI, Lokpal demand).

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Public Opinion in India

• India = world’s largest democracy → Public opinion plays crucial role.

• Expressed through:

  • Elections (Lok Sabha, Assembly, Panchayats).

  • Protests & Movements (farmers’ protest, women’s rights).

  • Social Media Trends & Hashtags.

  • Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in courts.

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PYQ Examples

1. UPSC Prelims 2015
   Q: Which of the following is the most effective means of expressing public opinion in a democracy?
   (a) Judiciary
   (b) Elections
   (c) Bureaucracy
   (d) Armed forces
   👉 Answer: (b) Elections

2. SSC CGL 2019
   Q: Which among the following is the most powerful tool of shaping public opinion?
   (a) Media
   (b) Legislature
   (c) Executive
   (d) Judiciary
   👉 Answer: (a) Media

3. RRB 2018
   Q: Public opinion is important in democracy because—
   👉 Answer: It makes the government accountable to the people.

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10 MCQs on Public Opinion

1. Public opinion means:
   (a) Opinion of the king
   (b) Collective opinion of the people
   (c) Opinion of officials
   (d) Opinion of bureaucrats
   👉 Answer: (b)

2. Which agency is called the “Fourth Pillar of Democracy”?
   👉 Answer: Media

3. In India, the most effective method of expressing public opinion is:
   👉 Answer: Elections

4. Which of the following influences public opinion the most in modern times?
   👉 Answer: Social Media & Mass Media

5. Public opinion is:
   (a) Permanent
   (b) Dynamic
   (c) Static
   (d) Monarchical
   👉 Answer: (b) Dynamic

6. Which of the following cannot form public opinion?
   (a) Newspapers
   (b) Parliament debates
   (c) Cinema
   (d) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
   👉 Answer: (d)

7. Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech & expression, essential for public opinion?
   👉 Answer: Article 19(1)(a)

8. Which movement in India is a strong example of public opinion influencing government policy?
   👉 Answer: Anti-Corruption Movement (Anna Hazare, 2011)

9. In democracy, public opinion acts as:
   (a) Restriction on Judiciary
   (b) Control on Bureaucracy
   (c) Check on Government
   (d) Tool of Dictatorship
   👉 Answer: (c)

10. The credibility of public opinion depends on:
    👉 Answer: Political awareness & education of citizens

MCQs on Public Opinion

Q1. Public opinion means:

(a) Opinion of the king
(b) Collective opinion of the people
(c) Opinion of officials
(d) Opinion of bureaucrats
👉 Answer: (b) Collective opinion of the people

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Q2. Which of the following is the most effective means of expressing public opinion in a democracy?

(a) Judiciary
(b) Elections
(c) Bureaucracy
(d) Armed forces
👉 Answer: (b) Elections

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Q3. Which agency is called the “Fourth Pillar of Democracy”?

(a) Executive
(b) Judiciary
(c) Media
(d) Legislature
👉 Answer: (c) Media

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Q4. Public opinion is generally—

(a) Permanent
(b) Static
(c) Dynamic and changing
(d) Monarchical
👉 Answer: (c) Dynamic and changing

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Q5. Which of the following influences public opinion the most in modern times?

(a) Radio
(b) Cinema
(c) Social Media & Mass Media
(d) Bureaucracy
👉 Answer: (c) Social Media & Mass Media

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Q6. Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech & expression, essential for public opinion?

(a) Article 14
(b) Article 19(1)(a)
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 32
👉 Answer: (b) Article 19(1)(a)

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Q7. Public opinion in a democracy acts as—

(a) Tool of dictatorship
(b) Restriction on judiciary
(c) Check on government
(d) Power of bureaucracy
👉 Answer: (c) Check on government

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Q8. Which of the following cannot form public opinion?

(a) Newspapers
(b) Parliament debates
(c) NGOs & social movements
(d) Central Armed Police Forces
👉 Answer: (d) Central Armed Police Forces

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Q9. In India, which movement is a strong example of public opinion influencing government policy?

(a) Green Revolution
(b) Quit India Movement
(c) Anti-Corruption Movement (Anna Hazare, 2011)
(d) Non-Cooperation Movement
👉 Answer: (c) Anti-Corruption Movement (Anna Hazare, 2011)

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Q10. The credibility of public opinion depends on—

(a) Education & political awareness of citizens
(b) Size of the country
(c) Number of political parties
(d) Judiciary strength
👉 Answer: (a) Education & political awareness of citizens