STD X Social Science-I Chapter 5: Public Opinion in Democracy

Vocabulary flashcards covering core definitions, characteristics, agencies, literary figures, opinion polls, and factors hindering public opinion from Class 10 Social Science-I Chapter 5.

Public Opinion

The general opinion of the people about the issues affecting them, or the position or opinion generally held by a section of society on a particular issue.

Civil Society

Organisations, groups, and people who work for the welfare of society without government control or profit motive.

Family (Agency of Public Opinion)

The first social group that influences a child's views through formal and informal discussions with parents and other family members.

Educational Institutions

Schools and colleges that shape public opinion by encouraging critical thinking, providing opportunities for discussion, and fostering a scientific mindset.

Peer Groups

Friends of similar age group who share interests and whose discussions influence opinions, attitudes, behavior, and help analyze government policies and social issues.

Traditional Media

Forms of media including radio, television, and newspapers that disseminate information and influence public opinion on a large scale.

Social Media

Platforms that allow people to react instantly to events, share opinions, and engage in discussions, serving as a primary source for forming and expressing public opinion.

Methods Adopted by Political Parties

Demonstrations, rallies, pamphlets, journals, and conferences used to mobilize people and shape public opinion.

Social Institutions and Organisations

Entities such as religious institutions, clubs, student movements, youth movements, trade unions, and women's equality movements that transmit values, traditions, and beliefs, and create awareness about rights and duties.

Art & Literature (Role in Democracy)

Mediums that raise awareness against social evils like caste discrimination and inspire people to question injustice and demand reforms.

Prominent Literary Contributors

Writers such as Rabindranath Tagore, Vallathol Narayana Menon, Chattambi Swamikal, and Kumaran Asan who contributed greatly to raising public awareness and inspiring social reform.

Opinion Polls

A scientific method used to gather information about public attitudes and opinions on social, cultural, and political issues using carefully designed questionnaires and trained professionals.

Illiteracy

A factor hindering public opinion by limiting awareness and rational thinking.

Digital Divide

A factor hindering public opinion characterized by a lack of access to internet and technology.

Poverty

A factor hindering public opinion by excluding people from public life and discussions.

Unhealthy Political Activity

A hindering factor to public opinion characterized by the absence of internal democracy in parties, partisanship, and corruption.

Unhealthy Election Practices

Practices that hinder public opinion, including vote buying, fake promises, and misuse of power.