It makes sense intuitively that public opinion should be important in a democracy, even if in a less direct way than a ballot initiative. The truth is , however, that most citizens pay relatively little attention to government, politics, and public policy. They are preoccupied with their families, jobs, homes, and other matters that are important to them on a day-to-day basis. As a result, they may not be well informed on policy issues, and they may have few strong opinions about them.