Public Opinion Essay
Introduction: Public opinion means
people’s consent and reaction over any issue. It is a collective opinion of
people expressed fearlessly. It has a decisive and abiding value. Public
opinion is defined as the verdict of the people of the country out of the court.
Importance: General people observe the
government activities and then hold a discussion from man to man and then
express their opinions in a direct way or through their elected
representatives. People in general can express their opinions in the democratic
form of the government as this form of government is ultimately run by public
opinion. No government or no order can last long ignoring public opinion. If
any government is elected with a majority of votes of the people, it can realize
its popularity among the people. If public opinion favors the existing
government, it can last long. Here lies the importance of public opinion.
How people express opinions: To govern
public opinion there are some agencies or organs in any country. Freedom of
speech is to be assured as the fundamental right in a democracy. Now Bangladesh
is a democratic country – the government of the people, by the people, and for
the people. In the light of the definition, public opinion can under no
circumstances be ignored or suppressed. Newspapers and periodicals also
contribute to what is known as the fourth estate. Newspapers instruct public
opinion by supplying and publishing true reports, and honest and unbiased comments
on it. In public speeches, meetings, picketing, and debate political
issues are also trashed. This is at length, reflected in the general election
of the country. There are other media like radio, television, cinema, and theatre
which help in forming and molding public opinion.
Examples: People of the country are
regarded as the governed. The constitution is a collection of rules according
to which the powers of the government and the rights of the governed and the
relation between them are adjusted. According to the constitution, people have
democratic rights to express their opinions and views. History has shown how
ineffective it has been to hoodwink public opinion. However, high or mighty the
dictator or autocratic might be, he shall have, at length, to submit to the
collective and clear expression of public opinion. The French Revolution in
1789, for example, was nothing but explosive public opinion. Pakistan
had achieved independence in 1947. She also ignored public opinion and
suppressed their voice without any hesitation. She became faceless and lost her
territory and sovereign power.
Usefulness: Public opinion is also
useful for the democratic government. If the government's work goes against the
interest of the people, they can raise a protesting voice. It helps the
government to be alert and careful in all respects. The government can change
its decision or alter and amend its plans or politics.
Conclusion: The negligence of public
opinion doesn’t bring good fruit for the government. The public and their opinions
are closely related like the tree and its bark. So public opinion has a
positive effect on the government.
