There is no clear definition or universally agreed meaning of public opinion. Understanding public opinion is having an understanding as to what people think. However, a syntheses of many experts various definitions can be a useful foundation for defining public opinion. Thus, public opinion is the complex of preferences expressed by a significant number of persons on an issue of general importance.
Public opinion is based on concepts such as beliefs, values, attitudes, and opinions.
In a democratic society, public policy should reflect public opinion. Opinion policy process is the relationship between public opinion and public policy. Regarding public affairs, individuals form opinions through groups, counter balancing the opinions of the elite. Walter Lippmann, an expert on public opinion, characterizes the ideal omnicompitent citizen. Must be capable of choosing rationally from among competing persons and policies.