To what extent should government officials be guided by public opinion polls when forming a policy?

Question

I want to know what others think, I believe that government officials should be knowledgeable of the public’s opinion but worry of the common welfare of the nation when forming a policy. The public opinion should be put into consideration more in some issues than in others. An example would be segregation in the past, the government in this situation should have not listened to the public's opinion since it was a prejidice opinion, but the common welfare of the country which outlawed segregation.

Answer 1

For the most part I agree with you. We are supposed to elect INTELLIGENT people, sadly most don't realize that because clearly that isn't what happens. Those people are supposed to vote on the issues for us. Decide what is best for the nation. To decide what is BEST for the nation they do need to take into consideration what the nation feels. Take Stem Cell Research. There is a large portion that is AGAINST embryotic stem cell research. So our President said it that the Federal Govt WON'T FUND IT. It is STILL LEGAL just won't get funding from the Govt. That is the Govt listening to the people the way it should in my opinion.

Answer 2

None! They were elected to represent the people of their district, not the whim of a few who's opinion polls are manipulated anyway!

The majority of the public had issues with segregation! Not the South perhaps, which is filled with rednecks!

The US Supreme Court had a lot do do with it as well as it outlawed "Separate but Equal"!

Like I said, my representative does not represent anyone else, nor were they elected by anyone else, nor should they listen to the vocal minority! That's how we got int that mess called Iraq! The Constitution was based on the Majority never rules, that is why there are protections for the minorities!

Those that were elected for the good of the Country, like the president, once the election is over, represents all the people, not just a few rich ones!

Answer 3

We live in a Representative Republic. Therefore, the ulitmate public opinion poll is the election box. Outside of voting for people who represent your ideas and opinions government officals shouldn't use opinion polls exclusively. It's always nice to think of government officals having their finger on the pulse of the nation, but opinion polls aren't always the most acurate way of doing that. Polls can be skewed and the numbers can be played with in order for the person doing the poll to really say anything.

Answer 4

Public opinion is like the wind ,it blows one way then another.
A leader makes the decisions and follows the best information and advise available at the time.

Answer 5

They should take it in high consideration, since we elect the government officials and they represent the citizens. If we disagree with them all we can really do is not reelect them to office when their term is up.

Answer 6

I agree that's why I'm a National-Union Voter, a populist who believes that popular votes should decide the presidential election to choose a leader by their ability to listen, http://www.voteprimous.com

Answer 7

public opinion polls are very unreliable in some situations so i does no longer anticipate any government to be counted on them too a lot as they do no longer characterize the perspectives of the inhabitants

Answer 8

In this day and age, with the technology we have available, there is no reason that we can't vote on everything. Congress is an outdated way of doing things.

Answer 9

It depends. Are they leaders or are they re-election whores?

A leader will do what he believes is right, regardless of public opinion.

A re-election whore will flip-flop according to the whims of the ill-informed public.

Answer 10

When they see everyone standing outside with BIG STICKS!!!!! (Quote from Teddy Roosevelt "speak softly and carry a big stick")