Public opinion

Public opinion, opinions held by many people on issues of local, national, or worldwide importance. Public opinion is shaped by factual information and individuals' values and emotions. It is circulated and further influenced by conversation, fora, the media, schools, public figures, and special interest groups, such as political parties, labor unions, religious organizations, and businesses. Public opinion polls survey the range of public opinion within a group. In a democratic society, government and private institutions are responsive to public opinion and divergent public opinion is permitted.