The basic definition of public opinion is the collected attitudes of citizens on a given issue or question. the underlying attitude of citizens toward their government. journalists' reports about what the public thinks. support for or opposition to candidates or proposals. polling and survey results of the population. Group of answer choices polling and survey results of the population. support for or opposition to candidates or proposals. the collected attitudes of citizens on a given issue or question. the underlying attitude of citizens toward their government. journalists' reports about what the public thinks.