Government can ascertain feedback on public policy

1. Analyze the question The question asks: through which means can a government find out how people feel about, or react to, a public policy (that is, get "feedback")?

2. Explain the concept

• Public opinion is the collective views, attitudes and feelings of citizens on public issues, including government policies. Governments measure it through opinion polls, surveys, media reports, petitions, town-hall meetings and letters to the press. It is the main way a government learns whether a policy is accepted or rejected.
• Mobilisation is the process of rallying or organising people to support a cause or take part in an activity. It goes from government to the people, not the other way round.
• Electioneering is campaigning to win votes during elections. It is about winning power, not assessing policies.
• Political party is an organised group that seeks to win and control government. Parties can voice opinions, but they are not the general measure of feedback.

3. Solution

• Feedback means the response of citizens to what government has done.
• That response is expressed and measured as public opinion.
• Mobilisation and electioneering are activities, and a political party is an organisation. None of them is the means of ascertaining reaction to policy.

So the best answer is C. public opinion.

4. Tip When you see the words "feedback", "reaction", "views of the people" or "assessing policy" in a Government question, think public opinion. Remember it as: Government speaks through policy, the people reply through public opinion.