Public opinion.
Definition
Public opinion refers to the collective attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of the general population on political issues, candidates, and policies. It is measured through polls and surveys and influences government decision-making and elections.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Gallup and Pew Research conduct national polls measuring presidential approval ratings
- 2 Public opinion shifted dramatically in favor of civil rights legislation during the 1960s after televised protests
- 3 Polling before elections helps campaigns target undecided voters in swing states
Key Fact
A well-designed scientific poll typically surveys 1,000-1,500 people with a margin of error of about ±3%.
Studied in