THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC OPINION ON POLICY MAKING

Public opinion, which can be swayed by the manipulation of the media and to some degree by the President’s persuasion, greatly impacts the policies made by public officials. George Bush promised tax cuts if elected as President of the United States of America. He was able to convince the public that they should be able to spend their money rather than the government. According to the Gallup Poll of September 11-13, 2000 , 74% of the public was in favor of tax cuts. The media’s support of tax cuts was divided; therefore it was not as effective in swaying public opinion as when all media ar...