What does public opinion closely relate to in a democracy?

Public opinion is intricately linked to the concept of popular sovereignty in a democracy. Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, primarily through their elected representatives. This idea emphasizes that the government exists to serve the interests and will of the citizens, reflecting their preferences and beliefs.

In a democratic system, public opinion serves as a crucial gauge of citizen sentiments on various issues, policies, and candidates. Elected officials and policymakers often rely on public opinion to guide their decisions, ensuring that they remain responsive to the electorate's needs. This relationship reinforces the idea that the legitimacy of governmental authority comes from the people's will, making public opinion a foundational element of democratic governance.

Other choices like political stability, electoral reform, and government control do not inherently capture the democratic principle that power derives from the populace's preferences as clearly as popular sovereignty does.