From what I read in the book it seems to me that public opinion doesn’t influence democratic society too much. I almost seems to me that politics, lobbying and governmental media influence public opinion more that public opinion influences government. The books states that most people get their political and governmental influence and knowledge passed along to them from parents and families members, and these beliefs do not usually change except for in big social movements. When there is big social movements is when most people have changes in opinions regarding government and politics, which through our history has only happened a handful of times. It also states that “public opinion is made by politicians, activist, and institutions who seek to shape it by providing information, by appealing to emotions, and by contradicting opposing views” (pg. 93). This to me seems like politicians influence public opinion, not the other way around. The book continues to say “ politicians us polls and focus groups to move their positions closer to the publics but just the opposite: to find the most effective means to move public opinion closer to their own desired policies” (pg93).
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