Students often refer to SCERT Kerala Syllabus 10th Standard Social Science Notes and Class 10 History Chapter 5 Public Opinion in Democracy Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.
SSLC History Chapter 5 Notes Pdf English Medium Public Opinion in Democracy
SCERT Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 5 Public Opinion in Democracy Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus
Class 10 History Chapter 5 Notes Kerala Syllabus Public Opinion in Democracy
Question 1.
Do the authorities seek your opinions regarding the organisation of the school anniversary celebrations? How do you give your suggestions?
Answer:
- Through school parliament
- Through the class representative participating in organising committee meetings.
- By filling out suggestion forms or feedback surveys provided by the school.
Question 2.
Discuss and share with your friends your opinions about the transportation and waste management facilities in your area and present the same in the social science club.
Answer:
(Hints: Discuss with your friends about transportation and waste management in your area including the questions provided.)
Transportation Facilities
- Are roads well-maintained?
- Is public transport easily available?
- Is traffic a problem in your area?
- Are there proper footpaths and signals?
- Are there safe routes for schoolchildren?
Waste Management Facilities
- Is garbage collected regularly?
- Are there separate bins for wet and dry waste?
- Do people follow proper waste disposal?
- Are there any waste dumping spots?
- Is there any composting or waste-to-energy system in place?
- What steps can be taken to improve cleanliness and hygiene?
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Question 3.
Complete the diagram and discuss the characteristics of public opinion and prepare a chart.

Answer:
- Creation of a general consensus on a topic.
- It may change with the circumstances, time and new knowledge.
- It is formed in relation to political, socio-economic, and cultural matters.
- There is no fixed place from where one can express public opinion
Question 4.
The first stage of public opinion formation begins with families. Evaluate this statement and make a note.
Answer:
The first stage of public opinion formation begins with families, as the process of socialisation for a child starts at home. Families play a vital role in shaping a child’s thinking, attitudes, and beliefs. The traditional beliefs and perceptions held by family members strongly influence the development of the child’s opinions. Children often observe or participate in family discussions on topics such as politics, religion, literature, and other social issues. These conversations expose the child to various viewpoints and help in shaping their initial understanding of the world. Thus, the family serves as the foundation for the formation of public opinion in an individual.
Question 5.
Present proposals to make activities of the school library more effective. Discuss it in your class, prepare notes, then present it in the school parliament.
Answer:
(Hint: Prepare notes by considering the given proposals)
- Organise Weekly Library Hours
- Introduce Book Review Sessions
- Create a ‘Readers Club’
- Arrange Author Visits and Storytelling Sessions
- Display Theme-Based Book Exhibitions
- Use Digital Library Resources
- Conduct Reading Challenges and Competitions
- Create a Comfortable Reading Environment
Question 6.
Discuss with your friends about programmes which can be planned in your school and surrounding areas to spread the anti-drug message. List them.
Answer:
- Awareness Rallies
- Street Plays and Skits
- Poster Making and Slogan Writing Competitions
- Seminars and Talks
- Anti-Drug Pledge Campaign
- Awareness Videos and Documentaries
- Form Anti-Drug Clubs
Question 7.
Collect news articles on a specific topic from different newspapers in the recent past. With your teacher’s support, prepare an analytical note on their presentation style, content and factuality.
Answer:
(Hint)
- Choose a Specific Topic (Climate change,Water crisis,education reforms etc)
- Collect Articles from different newspapers.
- Discuss with Your Teacher
- Write an Analytical Note (Analyze Presentation Style, Content, and Factuality)
Question 8.
What are the preventive measures that we should take against the spread of fake news and messages? Answer:
- Finding the real source inorder to find the validity of the news and messages.
- If recognised as fake news and messages, do not share it with others.
- Inform official system such as cyber cell.
- Educate your friends and family about the dangers of spreading fake information.
- Report fake or suspicious content on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Question 9.
Organise a group discussion and prepare a note on ‘The role of new media in shaping public opinion.’ Answer:
New media, such as social media platforms, online news portals, blogs, and video-sharing sites, play a powerful role in shaping public opinion in today’s world. Unlike traditional media, new media allows people to instantly share, comment, and engage with news and information. It provides a space for diverse voices and opinions, giving individuals the power to influence others and participate in public discussions. New media also helps raise awareness about social, political, and environmental issues by spreading information quickly and widely. However, it also comes with the risk of spreading fake news and misinformation, which can mislead people and create confusion. Therefore, it is important for users to be responsible, verily facts, and think critically before forming opinions or sharing content.
Question 10.
Prepare a speech on the topic “Role of political parties in shaping public opinion” by completing the list given below and discussing it in class.

Answer:
- Rallie
- Seminars
- Conference
(Hint: Prepare a speech about Role of political parties in shaping public opinion by including the given points)
Question 11.
Discuss with your friends and prepare a note on an art form or literary work that has influenced the formation of your opinions.
Answer:
(Hint: Consider the examples of literary works and art forms provided and make notes about those that influenced the formation of your opinion.)
Literary Work
- “Wings of Fire” by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
- “We the Children of India” by Leila Seth
Art Forms
- Street theatre
- Documentary films on environmental and social topics
- Folk paintings like Madhubani and Warli
Question 12.
Complete the diagram and discuss it in the class. Find more factors that hinder public opinion.

Answer:
- Digital divide
- Poverty
- Unhealthy political activity and lack of democracy in political parties.
Question 13.
Prepare an essay on the topic “The role of public opinion formation in strengthening the democratic process”.
Answer:
The Role of Public Opinion Formation in Strengthening the Democratic Process
Democracy is a political system that ensures equal participation of all the people of a country. It is based on the principle that the government is for the people, by the people, and of the people. As a system that ensures public participation, democratic governments formulate their policies and programmes by considering the opinions and interests of the people. Public opinion, which reflects the collective thoughts and concerns of citizens, plays a key role in strengthening democracy. The elections conducted within a democratic system are also largely influenced by public opinion, as people vote based on their understanding of issues, party promises, and the performance of leaders. In a democratic system, civil society makes the rulers responsible through constant criticism and active participation in social and political matters.
Public opinion acts as a powerful tool to question the misuse of power and helps in maintaining the rule of law. In such a society, citizens are fully aware of their rights and duties, and they hold the government accountable. Arbitrary and dictatorial tendencies are prevented when public opinion is strong, and the rights and freedoms of individuals are safeguarded. A society with strong public opinion encourages critical thinking, responsible political behaviour, and continuous dialogue. It also compels political parties to act responsibly and address public concerns effectively. Thus, public opinion, as the consolidated voice of the people, plays a vital role in upholding the values of democracy and ensuring a government that truly represents its people.
Std 10 History Chapter 5 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities
Question 1.
Conduct a seminar in your class on the factors influencing public opinion during general elections. Ans:
- Regional issues
- Development
- Law and order
- Political alliances
- Past performance
(Hints : Conduct seminar by considering the given steps) - Introduction
- Main Factors to Discuss (Regional issues, Development etc.)
- Interactive Part
- Question and Answer session
- Conclusion
Question 2.
Prepare a skit that will help shape public opinion against any crime and present it in the class.
Answer:
(Hints: Prepare a skit by following the given steps)
- Step 1: Choose the Theme (Drug Abuse, Cyber crime etc)
- Step 2: Decide the Key Message (Decide the key message you want the audience to take away)
- Step 3: Create the Characters
- Step 4: Setting the Scenes
- Step 5: Write the Script
- Step 6: Plan Costumes
- Step 7: Add Final Message (End with a group message or slogan)
Question 3.
V.T. Bhattathiripad’s play Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathetkku contributed greatly to the Kerala renaissance. Read the book and respond to the statement.
Answer:
(Hints: Collect this book from your school library and read and understand the major themes, impact and role in Kerala Renaissance.)
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Question 4.
Organise a screening of Satyajit Ray’s film Pather Panchali in the school Social Science lab. Discuss the plot and prepare a note of appreciation for the school magazine.
Answer:
(Hints)
• Organising the Screening
- Get permission from your Social Science teacher or school principal.
- Choose a suitable date and time for the screening.
- Arrange equipment (Projector, screen, Speakers, Darken the room if needed)
- Prepare a short introduction about Satyajit Ray and his importance in Indian cinema.
- Inform students and teachers in advance (create a poster or circular).
• Discuss the Plot of Pather Panchali
- Directed by Satyajit Ray, released in 1955.
- Based on the novel by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay.
- Story of a poor family living in rural Bengal.
- Focuses on themes like poverty, loss, innocence, family bonds, and hope.
• Prepare a Note of Appreciation
- Thanks to the Social Science department for organizing it.
- Highlight what students learned.
- Praise Satyajit Ray’s direction, music, and storytelling.
Public Opinion in Democracy Class 10 Notes Pdf
- Public opinion is the general opinion of the people about the issues affecting them.
- The foundation of a democratic system is formed by the views, interests, and aspirations of the people.
- Social and cultural background of individuals, attitude, belief, preconceptions, leadership skills, education etc. are the factors that influence public opinion.
- Family, educational institutions, Peer groups, media, political parties, social institutions and organisations, opinion polls, art and literature etc. are the agencies that shape public opinion.
- There are some factors that hinder the formation of public opinion in society.
- Illiteracy: Illiterate people have only limited knowledge about public issues. They may not have the
capacity to form rational opinions. - Digital Divide: The digital divide is the gap in accessing modem infonnation technology such as the internet, computer, and smartphone. This hinders the formation of effective public opinion.
- Poverty: Groups experiencing poverty are often isolated from public affairs. Hence, they are not able to participate in the formation of public opinion appropriately.
- Unhealthy political activity and lack of democracy in political parties: Partisanship in political activities and polarisation among the people are factors that hinder the formation of public opinion.
- Unhealthy practices during the election campaigns: Unhealthy practices that are used to influence voters during election times often hinder the formation of real public opinion.
INTRODUCTION
Public opinion is an essential pillar of democracy, representing the collective thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes of people on various issues affecting society. In a democratic system, the government is expected to consider the opinions of its citizens while making decisions and formulating policies. Public opinion not only ensures people’s participation in governance but also acts as a check on the misuse of power. It helps in shaping responsible leadership and promoting transparency. This chapter explores how public opinion is formed, the agencies that influence it such as family, media, educational institutions, and political parties and highlights the challenges that can hinder its proper development. A healthy democracy depends on informed and active citizens whose opinions are shaped by truthful information and a strong sense of social responsibility. Understanding public opinion is key to building an active, informed, and empowered democratic society.
Public Opinion
- Public opinion is the general opinion of the people about the issues affecting them.
- The foundation of a democratic system is formed by the views, interests, and aspirations of the people.
- Citizens empowered through public opinion will strengthen the democracy.
- Civil society is an important idea in democracy.
- It includes organisations, groups, and people who work for the welfare of the society.
- Social and cultural background of individuals, attitude, belief, preconceptions, leadership skills, education etc are the factors that influence public opinion.
- Characteristics of Public opinion
- Public opinion reflects diverse opinions.
- Public opinion may change with the circumstances, time and new knowledge.
- Public opinion ensures democratic communication.
Agencies that Shape Public Opinion
- A child’s socialisation process starts from the family and the traditional beliefs and perceptions of the family, influences opinion formation.
- Educational institutions play a major role in shaping and developing the child’s knowledge, rights, duties, scientific thinking, critical thinking, and culture. All knowledge and skills are acquired by the child mainly through educational institutions.
- Debates and discussions among peer group members are important factors influencing public opinion formation.
- Media play an important role in shaping public opinion.
- News, discussions and advertising programmes available through traditional media (print media, radio and television) and new media (Digital and social media) have a great influence on people.
- Media can bring an issue to public attention and shape public opinion on it.
- Political parties and their activities are at the forefront of shaping, and mobilising public opinion in the democratic system of government.
- Various social institutions and organisations working in society play a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
- Religious institutions, caste-religious organisations, student movements, youth movements, women’s equality movements, trade unions, human rights movements, merchant associations, environmental organisation etc. play their own role in shaping public opinion.
- Opinion polls are a very effective way to gather information about public attitudes and opinions on various social, cultural, political and economic issues.
- Art, literature, cinema of each era influence the formation of the public opinion of the times.
Factors that hinder the Formation of Public Opinion
- Illiteracy: Illiterate people have only limited knowledge about public issues. They may not have the capacity to form rational opinions.
- Digital Divide: The digital divide is the gap in accessing modern information technology such as the internet, computer, and smartphone. This hinders the formation of effective public opinion.
- Poverty: Groups experiencing poverty are often isolated from public affairs. Hence, they are not able to participate in the formation of public opinion appropriately.
- Unhealthy political activity and lack of democracy in political parties: Partisanship in political activities and polarisation among the people are factors that hinder the formation of public opinion.
- Unhealthy practices during the election campaigns: Unhealthy practices that are used to influence voters during election times often hinder the formation of real public opinion.
- In addition to these, corruption, regionalism, other socioeconomic, cultural and parochial group interests, and hero worship are all factors that undermine tme public opinion.
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PUBLIC OPINION
- Public opinion is the general opinion of the people about the issues affecting them.
- It can be the position or opinion generally held by a section of society on a particular issue.
A Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha which is a local body where the people of the locality gather. The problems that affect people such as development issues, waste management, environmental pollution, scarcity of drinking water etc. are discussed there. Decisions on such issues are taken by considering the general opinion of the people gathered in the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha. The foundation of a democratic system is formed by the views, interests,and aspirations of the people. Public health is an important issue that affects the society as a whole. The government has sought public opinion in this public issue.
Citizens empowered through public opinion will strengthen the democracy. The rationality and scientific perspective of their opinions will positively influence public opinion. This will help to evolve a civil society that is alert to social issues.
Civil Society
Civil society is an important idea in democracy. It includes organisations, groups, and people who work for the welfare of the society. They do this voluntarily, without government control or profit motive, and they represent different views and ideas.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PUBLIC OPINION
The influence of public opinion on social life, governance and politics is enormous. Public opinion is formed when responsible citizens brings out the problems in the society to the attention of others, it is an effective social control over the government and it encourages debate that empowers democracy. Public opinion is considered as one of the essential criteria of democracy. Social and cultural background of individuals, attitude, belief, preconceptions, leadership skills, education etc are the factors that influence public opinion.
- Public opinion reflects diverse opinions.
- Public opinion is not necessarily the views and opinions of the majority of people but, is the creation of a general consensus on a topic.
- Public opinion may change with the circumstances, time and new knowledge.
- Public opinion is always formed not only on political matters but also in relation to Socio-economic and cultural matters.
- There is no fixed place from where one can express public opinion and anyone can express their opinion from any where.
- Public opinion ensures democratic communication.
AGENCIES THAT SHAPE PUBLIC OPINION
Formation of public opinion is not an automatic, highly precise or perfectly timed process. Various sections of the society express their opinion and views whenever a common issue arises in the society. In this process some comments are very much welcomed and it emerges as the public opinion. Thus public opinion is formed through formal and informal processes. Family and educational institutions play an important role in developing public opinion which, in turn, empowers democracy. Peer groups, media, political parties, social institutions and organisations, opinion polls, art and literature etc. also contribute in this. All these are different agencies that shape public opinion.
FAMILY
A child’s socialisation process starts from the family and the traditional beliefs and perceptions of the family, influences opinion formation. The child is a participant or a witness in the discussion held in the family in which politics, beliefs, religion, literature, etc. are all topics. In this way, the family has the first place in the formation of the child’s opinion on various issues.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Educational institutions play a major role in shaping and developing the child’s knowledge, rights, duties, scientific thinking, critical thinking, and culture. All knowledge and skills are acquired by the child mainly through educational institutions. The process of education helps a person to form an independent and rational opinion on any subject. Educational institutions play an important role in shaping children’s understanding of various subjects. Activities in school such as school parliament, club activities, sports and cultural activities act as a platform in developing democratic and civic sense among the students. Such activities provide enough avenues for the learners to express their opinions and that develops skills in forming public opinion.
PEER GROUPS
Debates and discussions among peer group members are important factors influencing public opinion formation. Peer grqup members share almost common characteristics in terms of personality, attitudes and behaviour which are important factors influencing public opinion formation. They all share some common characteristics in their personal experiences and social influences. Peer group members can influence each other on the policies of the government, various social issues and political parties. Such peer group discussions are helpful in eliciting common opinions, correcting existing ones and arriving at correct opinions. This debate and discussion lead to the formation of public opinion.
Peer Groups
Peer Groups are groups of similar age and with similar interests and goals. Peer groups tend to be similar in their beliefs,values and ideals.
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MEDIA
Media play an important role in shaping public opinion. News, discussions and advertising programmes available through traditional media (print media, radio and television) and new media (Digital and social media) have a great influence on people. Media can bring an issue to public attention and shape public opinion on it.
a) Newspapers
Newspapers play an important role in bringing all political and social events before the public. Newspapers are able to strengthen the democratic process by bringing current issues to the people and at the same time bring the opinion of the people to the government. There fore newspapers play a key role in shaping public opinion. The influence of newspapers help not only in forming public opinion but also in changing and diverting it according to certain interests. Sometimes some news does not necessarily have to be factual and it can mislead the public opinion. Due to vested interest, wrong news might reach people through online newspapers, etc. There is a criticism that impartial approach and accuracy in the news are not often from the side of the media.
b) Radio, Television
Radio and television are serving as a mirror to social life. While the print media considers only the literate community, radio and television play an important role in forming the ideas and knowledge among the illiterate community. Radio and television play a significant role in sharing the opinions and thoughts of the people in the society about various policies and programmes of the government.
c) Social Media
Today social media and all mainstream media have an important role in forming public opinion.In the modem age, almost all people in the society are communicates through digital platforms. Everybody should recognise such traps in the digital world. We have to acquire digital and media literacy.
- Media literacy is the ability to access, analyse, evaluate, create new messages and communicate the messages received through various forms of media.
- Content creation and the way it shapes our perceptions and how we critically interpret news and messages are all included in this.
- Media literacy includes the way we shape our perceptions and critically interpret news and messages.
- Digital literacy is the ability to find information from the digital world and evaluate them efficiently using digital equipment and technology.
- This includes basic computer knowledge, effective use of internet, navigation of digital platforms, critical evaluation of online content, cyber awareness, etc.
- Digital literacy is how we effectively use digital tools and technology to find out and evaluate information from digital spaces.

“In the very first month of’Indian Opinion’, I realised that the sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper press is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countrysides and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy. If the control is from without, it proves more poisonous than want of control. It can be profitable only when exercised from within. If this line of reasoning is correct, how many of the journals in the world would stand the test? But who would stop those that are useless? And who should be the judge? The useful and the useless must, like good and evil generally, go on together, and man must make his choice.”
(Mahatma Gandhi, ‘The story of My Experiments with Truth’)
POLITICAL PARTIES AND THEIR ACTIVITIES
- Political parties and their activities are at the forefront of shaping, and mobilising public opinion in the democratic system of government.
- Both ruling and the opposition parties play a role in shaping public opinion.
- The main objective of political parties is to make the public think about common public issues politically.
- Each political party publishes journals, pamphlets, manifestos, posters, write ups etc. to create public opinion in their favour.
- Along with that conference, demonstrations, rallies and seminars are all organised for the formation of public opinion.
Ruling parties try to propagate government policies in their favour. They also devise appropriate campaign strategies. On the other hand, the opposition parties bring the shortcomings and failures of the administration to the attention of the people and they undertake campaigns and struggles that help in the formation of public opinion against the government. All political parties have an interest in promoting their own ideals during election stages. Every party and front tries to gather the maximum support of the people presented through the manifesto.
Political parties try to intervene and form opinions on all the important issues facing the society and the state through their election manifestos. Every party tries to mobilise the people in its favour by presenting their views and ideas and makes them involved in public affairs and ensure participation in the electoral process. During the election campaign parties try to sway public opinion in their favour. Even after the completion of election process the political parties keep on campaigning on public issues. When political parties go overboard and engage in personal attacks and negative propaganda, the election commission intervenes and controls them.
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS
Various social institutions and organisations working in society play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Religious institutions, caste-religious organisations, student movements, youth movements, women’s equality movements, trade unions, human rights movements, merchant associations, environmental organisation etc. play their own role in shaping public opinion.
OPINION POLL
Opinion polls are a very effective way to gather information about public attitudes and opinions on various social, cultural, political and economic issues. A sample of population is approached for their views regarding specific issues. By using the information public opinion can be formed. There are various professional agencies working to conduct opinion polls.
ART AND LITERATURE
Art, literature, cinema of each era influence the formation of the public opinion of the times. “Patta Bakki”, “Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku” and so on were some of the plays which had a significant role in changing the social life of Kerala. Literary works of Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharathi and Vallathol Narayana Menon inspired Indian freedom movement.The art forms such as Ottanthullal, Chakyarkoothu, etc could form strong public opinion against the then existing social evils, customs and thereby ignite social revolution. Various art forms and literary works influence our tastes and interests.
Eg: “ Chandalabhikshuki” by Mahakavi Kumaran Asan is a work which had a strong influence in forming public opinion against social evils based on caste system such as untouchability. Some lines from that poem
“ദാഹിക്കുന്നു ഭഗിനീ കൃപാരസ-
മോഹനം കുളിർ തണ്ണീരിതാശു നീ
ഓമലേ, തരു തെല്ലെ”ന്നതു കേട്ടൊ
രാ മനോഹരിയമ്പരന്നോതിനാൾ:
“അല്ലല്ലെന്തുകഥയിതു കഷ്ടമേ!
അല്ലലാലങ്ങു ജാതി മറന്നിതോ?
നീചനാരിതൻ കൈയാൽ ജലം വാങ്ങി-
യാചമിക്കുമോ ചൊല്ലെഴുമാര്യന്മാർ?
ഓതിനാൻ ഭിക്ഷുവേറ്റം വിലക്ഷനായ്:
“ജാതി ചോദിക്കുന്നില്ല ഞാൻ സോദരി,
ചോദിക്കുന്നു നീർ നാവുവരണ്ടഹോ
ഭീതിവേണ്ടാ തരികതെനിക്കു നീ.”
This scenario is Anandan, a Buddhist monk, requesting drinking water from a girl who was drawing water from a well beside the path. However, she hesitates, explaining that she belongs to a lower caste and that giving him water would be considered a sin. Anandan, undeterred, says, “I did not ask your caste, but water,” compelling her to comply. His response, which disregarded caste distinctions and addressed a lower-caste woman as his sister, was a revolutionary act in the social context of that time.
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FACTORS THAT HINDER THE FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION
Democracy will be stronger where public opinion is strong. The limitations of democracy can be corrected and guided in the right direction with strong public opinion. However, there are some factors that hinder the formation of public opinion in society.
Illiteracy: Illiterate people have only limited knowledge about public issues. They may not have the capacity to form rational opinions.
Digital Divide: The digital divide is the gap in accessing modem information technology such as the internet, computer, and smartphone. This hinders the formation of effective public opinion.
Poverty: Groups experiencing poverty are often isolated from public affairs. Hence, they are not able to participate in the formation of public opinion appropriately.
Unhealthy political activity and lack of democracy in political parties: Partisanship in political activities and polarisation among the people are factors that hinder the formation of public opinion.
Unhealthy practices during the election campaigns: Unhealthy practices that are used to influence voters during election times often hinder the formation of real public opinion. In addition to these, corruption, regionalism, other socioeconomic, cultural and parochial group interests, and hero worship are all factors that undermine true public opinion.
Democracy is a political system that ensures equal participation of all the people of a country. As a system that ensures public participation, democratic governments formulate their policies and programmes by considering the opinions and interest of the people. In addition, the elections conducted within a democratic system, are also chiefly influenced by the opinions of the people. In a democratic system, civil society makes the rulers responsible through constant criticism. Public opinion can question the exercise of power and regulate the rule of law. In such a society, the people are fully aware of the rights and duties of citizens. Arbitrary and dictatorial tendencies are prevented in a society with strong public opinion and the rights and freedom of citizens are protected. In a society
with strong public opinion, every issue is critically evaluated and it makes political parties responsible. Public opinion, as the consolidated opinion of the people, plays a key role in democratic systems.