The Power of Public Opinion - English Essay

The Power of Public Opinion

English Essay on "The Power of Public Opinion" - Composition on "The Power of Public Opinion"

It is supposed that the Government, once it has been formed in a country, can have its way for a certain period of time. But this is not wholly true. There is one factor which continuous to affect the course of events and leave its impact on the country Social and political life. This factor is described as public opinion and its importance bas increased in the present democratic age.

If Lincoln’s famous formula government of the people by the people, for the people—is correct, then the public must hold the central position in the socio-political structure of the country.

Democracy has been recognized as the most modern method of putting the public in that position. What the public actually does is to choose representatives to work on its behalf. This is the form of government in most countries. But though the rulers are the chosen ones, they do not always behave according to the wishes of the people in general. It is at this point that public Opinion makes itself felt. Suppose the government has taken certain wrong political steps or economic measures, the people would resent them. educationsight.blogspot.com If the degree of their indignation is small, the government might take warning for the future. If it is high, the government might be forced to change its decisions altogether. Similarly, the people can express their disapproval of the governmental policies by taking out protest procession, staging demonstrations, passing resolutions at public meetings, etc.

Public opinion has caused many historic changes in human life down the ages. We shall consider only two Instances. First the French Revolution was a Success because the French public was fed up with the tyranny of kingship. Secondly, the English had to quit” India because Indian public would not accept the former as their lawful rulers.

Public Opinion to a large extent determines the character of social patterns. If it regards certain values as worthy and noble, they will prevail in Society as blood in human body. On the other hand, if it is against certain evils, those will be uprooted as if they never existed. It was the recognition of this fact which made all reformers to begin their work by influencing public opinion.

Public opinion is always rightly motivated. The reason is that the masses as a rule love the principles of honesty, truthfulness and justice. They passionately desire to see these principles uncorrupted. But it should also be noted that though sincerely motivated, public Opinion is not always right. If, on such occasions, is allowed to sway, its power is directed to Wrong ends. Here it is the duty of the leaders and the press to guide public Opinion. It is never good to suppress the Opinion of the public. For public Voice can be silenced for some time but not for ever. Sooner or later it must erupt, like lava from a volcano and then the disaster would follow. Wise rulers and good press always try to train public Opinion, as properly guided public opinion is the most precious possession of a country.

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