Why Is Public Opinion Particularly Important in a Democracy

question 17

Multiple Choice

Why is public opinion particularly important in a democracy?

• A) because political attitudes expressed by ordinary people are unusually coherent
• B) because the public's passions are capable of infringing on others' liberties
• C) because what the people want should be directly challenged by government action
• D) because grave doubts about the wisdom of the public would otherwise be ignored
• E) because democracy is be fundamentally about the rule of the people

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Definitions:

Approach-Inhibition Model

A psychological theory that explains how power within social hierarchies can influence individuals’ behaviors, either encouraging or inhibiting actions.

Express More Negative Emotions

The act of displaying or expressing feelings that are considered undesirable or pessimistic more frequently.

High Power Individuals

People who hold considerable authority, influence, or control within a society or organization.

Inhibitory Reaction

A biological or psychological response that slows or stops a particular process, often seen in neural pathways to prevent overstimulation.