Public Opinion can be defined as a combination of political beliefs or attitudes which represent a particular portion of the adult population. Political opinion influences public opinion, and plays an important role in a democracy because Americans are allowed to express their opinion and Public Opinion can influence political decisions.
6b) Political Elites are people who have influence over political decision. Political Elites achieve their political influence from wealth, family status, military position, or intellectual superiority etc. Political Elites influence public opinion because they may have access to the media in order to raise political awareness on issue.
Political Elites have the power to push elected officials to make decisions on issues in favor of their political beliefs and attitudes. For instance, there has been debate on whether there should be restrictions on access to guns. However, political Elites have influenced elected officials to not favor legislations that would place restrictions on guns. Political Elites attitudes on issues influence decisions made by elected officials because of the resources/connections that they obtain. Elites know more about politics and hold consistent opinions about