Public opinion refers to the widely views by ordinary citizens, which often express openly. Although studies have failed to present empirical evidence that the various government branches consistently act on polls, public opinion plays a central role in influencing or affecting the presidency. First, favourability polls on given presidential candidates present different players, including citizens with the best possible opportunity to determine beforehand who is more likely to win the election (Lenz & Holman, 2013). In the United States (U.S.), for instance, how positively individual voters feel about one’s candidature allows stakeholders, such as the media to focus on the most popular candidates.
In addition to determining popularity, public opinion revolves around the delegation representation theory, which states that the president or any other politician is elected into office with the sole purpose of representing the people’s interest. In this way, public opinion shapes the presidency by ensuring that the president operates or remains in constant campaign mode (Lenz & Holman, 2013). For example, when the voters publicly express happiness, the president enjoys their stability, meaning the government remains stable. On the other hand, unhappy or dissatisfied people are more like to end one’s presidency either through a vote of no confidence or a coup.
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Apart from its effects on presidency, public opinion shapes and determines the various policies adopted by the president, as well as the achievement of policy goals. Lenz and Holman (2013) argue that the president depends on public opinion to identify and evaluate pressing national issues. If the president’s campaign promise was to legalize marijuana, for instance, they will rely on what the public says before implementing the goal. Concerning foreign policy, the president’s objective might revolve around declaring war against a given country for having conducted missile tests or committed crimes against humanity. However, the president has to listen to the public voice regarding the potential risks and damages associated with the decision. Accordingly, the president places great emphasis on establishing the content of public opinion before acting, meaning what the general public says about their policies determines the achievement of particular policy goals.
Reference
Lenz, T. & Holman, M. (2013). American Government . Gainesville, Florida, U.S.: University Press of Florida.
