Question

A classic definition of democracy is “rule by the ruled.” Examine the influence of the general public over the policy decisions of the government. How responsive is the government to public opinion? In what situations and/or times is it the most responsive and when is it the least? Fully explain your response.

Answer 1

The influence of the general public in terms of policy decisions of the government is almost zero, except the fact that majority of people chose those who make decisions. People who are not politics but bureaucrats have some influence as advisors. Besides, each party has their own way of doing things, although they say that everything is for the welfare of the people.

Public is free to provide their opinion but it’s not mandatory that the government should listen to all those opinions unless it has attracted more number of people and it has started to threaten their own existence. In reality wherever public brought their opinions to the street, they have been dispersed. In a micro level yes, individual get their rights through the local bodies.

Government acts very actively during the time of crisis or natural calamities. Apart from that, if the public demand is almost close to the ideology of the ruling party they would favour an action. They act swiftly to security breaches and external threats.

When there is no big news about the government, it functions normally. When there is no voice against the government from the public, government will go into inaction.