In what ways does public opinion influence the formation of a democratic society?

Public opinion carries a very vital role in what differentiates us as Americans from other countries. It's what allows us as individuals as well as groups to voice our thoughts and opinions as well as voice our frustration with a certain subject. Other countries won't even allow public voice of opinion without repercussion or violence being used towards the individual or group. It's honestly what allowed women's rights to happen as well as the political movements of discrimination, that created every man and women equal in our society. The issue in Egypt was a public display that involved a group of protesters that were seen around the world,protesting about their government to get their president to resign. Guess what? It worked. It took a while, but the power of peoples views and activists protesting with their voice without a worry in the world has a very strong effect on subjects. Especially with government. Also public opinions helps with the views of a society as a whole with the issue of voting. It allows people to display who they feel is the best candidate for the position in a particular office. Voting allows us as a society to make the final decision. Even with certain laws that are up in the air to put in a place. It allows people to have a say in what needs to happen to make certain things better for our country or city we live in.