What is one criticism of public opinion's influence on democratic governance?

The criticism that public opinion can be fluid and fickle highlights the notion that public attitudes toward political issues can change rapidly and unpredictably. This instability can create challenges for democratic governance, as elected officials and policymakers may struggle to respond effectively to constituents' views when those views are in constant flux.

When public opinion is not stable, it can lead to indecision and inconsistency in policy-making, as leaders may fear backlash or seek to appease shifting public sentiments rather than pursuing what they see as necessary or beneficial long-term policies. This can undermine the ability of representatives to implement coherent and effective governance, as they may prioritize short-term popularity over thoughtful, informed decision-making.

While other options may address different dimensions of public opinion's impact on democracy—such as potential negative effects on voter turnout or the complexity of political issues—option B directly points to the inherent volatility of public opinion itself as a central issue affecting governance.