Almond–Lippmann consensus

The Almond–Lippmann consensus states that public opinion: is volatile or irrational, thus dubious foundation upon which to base foreign policy lacks structure/consistency, so much so that many have described people as possessing non-attitudes is devoid of interest and is susceptible to manipulation, reasons it should not be studied These conclusions were made shortly after World War II when public polling became a major tool for political scientists. Based on their data they decided that on a whole public opinion was not to be relied upon. Later others would challenge and change this idea of public opinion.