Discuss the general relationship between public opinion and the policy actions of government.

What will be an ideal response?


Public opinion has a powerful though inexact influence on government. Although public opinion rarely determines exactly what government will do, public opinion serves to constrain the policy choices of officials. Some policy actions are beyond the range of possibility because the public will not accept change in existing policy or will not support policy that clearly conflicts with basic values. Many policy issues are sufficiently complex to limit public understanding of their intricacies, and thus elected officials may not be able to rely on wider public opinion. In addition, officials must anticipate the public response to policy, since people may react negatively to policies that fail or are followed by unfavorable developments. Evidence indicates officials are reasonably attentive to public opinion, particularly on highly visible issues of public policy.

Political Science

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The belief-conduct distinction states that

a. citizens must conduct themselves in alignment with religious beliefs regardless of personal belief. b. religious ceremonies are subject to the scrutiny of federal investigators. c. personal conduct should not conflict with the religious beliefs of others. d. people may believe what they wish, but they must still adhere to state or federal laws that regulate personal behavior. e. people may believe what they wish, provided it is approved by the state.

Political Science

The Gulf Coast region is home to ___________, the state's largest city

A) ?Houston B) ?Dallas C) ?Austin D) ?San Antonio

Political Science

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the jurisdiction of state supreme courts in states that use a three-tiered legal system? a. When the state legislature and governor have a conflict over their powers under the state constitution, theycan bring the suit directly to the Supreme Court

b. The Supreme Court is required to hear appeals of certain criminal convictions, such as trials resulting in adeath sentence. c. The Supreme Court can hear appeals of trial courts and decisions of intermediate courts of appeals at theirdiscretion. d. The Supreme Court's docket is comprised largely of routine, mandatory appeals.

Political Science

______________________ is the structure and institutions that combine to govern many aspects of state policies, especially concerning international relations

Fill in the blank with correct word

Political Science