In modern States in general and in the democracies in particular, all power springs from the people. But the question is: How are the people to exercise its power? In the popular and representative governments, it is possible in two ways only, viz., by voting and by the expression of public opinion. Elections are no doubt indispensable for the working of a democratic popular government. But they must be preceded and prepared by the action of the public opinion. Moreover, in the intervals between two elections, it keeps the party-in-power in check, guides the government in the making of its policies, and restrains the party government from abusing its power and from becoming oppressive or tyrannical. When a ministry or legislature knows that the public opinion is opposed to their policy or plan
they will pause before adopting or enforcing it. They will give up unpopular plans or purposes. Vox populi, vox Dei. Public opinion is the pulse of the people and a wise government must always keep its fingers on the pulse, if it is to remain popular and responsible to the people. Good and sound public opinion will support a government when it is on the right path and restrain and criticise it when it is in the wrong. It is rightly said that alert and intelligent public opinion is the first essential condition for the success of democracy. It is a watchdog of the government and administration. It has been aptly said that the true function of public opinion is to bring about a proper relation between the legal and the political sovereign. It thus makes ideal democracy a reality.
Public opinion may suffer from various drawbacks. In the nineteenth century liberal democrats usually believed that man was rational, interested in politics and capable of making logical decisions based on his needs. Moreover, it is believed that freedom to express ideas in open competition with others is the best means of correcting errors in bias. Though each party may plead its own cause, it is expected that the truth or the most practical answer will eventually emerge.
In actual fact, however, people do not act rationally. Possibly, they fall an easy prey to the “hidden persuaders” of political-propaganda agencies, public relation firms, and of the advertisers. Opinions are often formed by family environment, cultural influences and experiences. Opinions of the individual are, as often as not, highly irrational. This is the reason why public opinion has been accused of being erratic, inconsistent and conservative. In backward countries and nations, public opinion is influenced, sometimes openly and at times not so openly, by foreign sources. This is done through propaganda, which is one of the most potent sources of influencing public opinion.