WAEC Government 2015 Theory — Question 8

Model answer

(i) Political parties, in their bid to win elections, can form (shape) public opinion through their campaigns and awareness programmes highlighting the government's programmes and whether they were pleased with them and the party's manifesto. (ii) Public opinion can also be formed by opinion leaders - certain people regarded as knowledgeable in their community, because people listen to them and believe what they say about government programmes and policies. (iii) The Mass media is another way by which public opinion can be formed - the views expressed and other information spread by the mass media influence people into forming or changing their opinion about government policies. (iv) Pressure groups also help in shaping or forming public opinion.