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

The idea of public opinion basically became what it is upon the start of our democracy.  Any type of government policy or action set in place hasn’t been done so by the power of one man or rules set from years ago, most of what happens is based on the opinions of the general public.  An example, take election time.  What are we voting on? We are voting on people that we, the public, have put in office as well as laws and other situations where the people have spoken their mind in hopes to see change.  It is simple to understand that the public needs and/or wants to take part in government activities.  The public has opinions and would like to see their ideas or be able to express them and see results.  Since the public is a majority, they have the ability to make things happen in large numbers by outvoting the smaller number.  Also, because the public is entitled to their own opinion, whether it be on an individual basis or in a group, the fact that their decisions influence how democracy is formed, ideally help to prevent coercion from more powerful government entities.  In other words, the government is created from people as a group rather than the already named higher authorities. However, since the public does have influence, their opinions are obviously for self-interest or benefit.  Where this is the case, if a majority, or mass media become involved with particular information, what does this do to the rest of the population?  It could take one person to bring up a random off the wall policy, then sugar coat to encourage the opinion to lean towards their views.  Perhaps this is why it’s important, that no matter how you feel about your own opinion or vote counting in anything, you do it anyway.  Stand up for what you believe and make sure you take a little time to know what you are getting into.