Public opinion is an important component of the political space in a democratic government as it is useful when determining the preferences of the electorate. Political representatives can use public opinion when making assessments to determine which policies work to the advantage of their electorates and those that enhance their stay in power (Strikovic, et al. 136). Similarly, public opinion can be used as a parameter to measure the satisfaction levels of the masses with their elected leaders. When dissatisfied, the masses can channel their dissatisfaction through different avenues of public opinion to keep the leadership in check. Politicians who fail to take into account the perspectives of their electorate risk not only losing their political mileage but also being voted out of office altogether. Given the influence of public opinion on political discourse, it is considered an indispensable component of any democratic government.
In the US, the presidential elections are held slightly differently from the elections of other political offices. Primarily, all other political positions are determined by the popular vote, whereas the presidential elections are conducted through the Electoral College. Presidential primaries are usually conducted in January and/or February of the election year and are presided over by state and local authorities. Caucuses are then used to vote publicly for preferred candidates. Depending on the population size, each state is accorded a number of delegates who act as representatives in the national party convention, where each major party decides the preferred presidential candidate. On the day of the elections, voters cast their ballots where they indirectly elect the President and the Vice President. Using a winner-takes-all process, election winners are accorded all electors in a state (Polyas). A candidate is only declared a winner if they win at least 270 electors from a possible 538 electors present.
Works Cited
Polyas. “Presidential Election.”Polyas.com, 2018.
Strikovic, Edina, et al. “On Behalf of the People: The Use of Public Opinion and the Perception of “the People” in Political Communication Strategies of Dutch MPs.” The International Journal of Press/Politics, vol. 25, no. 1, 2019, pp. 135-157.