Public opinion concepts and measurement

Public opinion it can only exist in the context of a democratic society?

In a democratic society, it is presumed that information flows freely and that all citizens have equal access to information. On the contrary, it is also presumed that in undemocratic societies, the press is restricted. Citizens do not have access to information and therefore, the ability of people to form opinions is limited. Freedom of press is generally restricted in undemocratic societies and at least legally supported in democratic ones. However, democracy is not a prerequisite for public opinion. Public opinion can most certainly exist outside of the context of a democratic society. Moreover, public opinion in the context of a democratic society is often restricted due to issues like media conglomeration and poor educational systems.

A democratic society's political culture depends directly on public opinion, whereas an undemocratic society is structured so that public opinion has little bearing on issues like public policy, who holds positions of power, and legislation. In this sense, public opinion matters more in the context of a democratic society for practical outcomes. At the same time, an undemocratic society may be heavily influenced by outside influences including a global public opinion. Pressure on undemocratic regimes can and sometimes do lead to political transformation and social change, but not very often. Public opinion therefore has more merit in democratic vs. undemocratic societies.

In undemocratic societies, public opinion can be formed in a variety of ways. One method is via new media, which is why the Internet is restricted in nations with government-controlled media and undemocratic political structures. Access to information is a foundation of public opinion; or at least, a foundation of informed public opinion. In the United States and other nations with unfettered access to most types of information, public opinion can be readily formed through education, the media, and new media. The only restrictions on public opinion formation in democratic societies include the quality of the education system and the quality of the media outlets operating in that country.

Public opinion can have a direct impact on domestic and foreign policy, but mainly in democratic societies. In undemocratic societies, public opinion is meaningless for informing legislation and public policy. In democratic societies, elected officials respond to their constituents. The reverse is also true in that constituents elect officials based on those persons' backgrounds and beliefs regarding issues ranging from the economy to the environment. Therefore, public opinion determines the prevailing public policy and political culture.