Despite claims to the contrary, political leaders frequently look to public-opinion surveys to stay in touch with shifts in popular sentiment. This raises questions about whether leaders should "lead"

Despite claims to the contrary, political leaders frequently look to public-opinion surveys to stay in touch with shifts in popular sentiment. This raises questions about whether leaders should "lead" even when their decisions are inconsistent with what a majority of Americans claim to want, or whether they should heed the will of the majority. Which of these views would the framers of the Constitution support? Which of these views is more appropriate for a politician in a democracy?  Which do you prefer?