Exam 3 - Public opinion
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what is public opinion?
what the public thinks about a particular issue or set of issues at any point in time
name examples of a public opinion
citizens views on candidates political institutions
how are public opinions identified?
through a public opinion poll
what is a public opinion poll?
a survey of a sample of citizens used to estimate the entire population’s feelings and beliefs
what are the 2 reasons why public opinion is important for democracy?
• public opinion can influence what the govt does • a lot of political actors behave as though public opinion matters
what is public/population?
the group of people we are interested in
population =
public
name examples of the public/populations
dog owners people who have children between the age 4-6 an entire country
why does public opinion matter?
to prove legitimacy of the democratic government
what does it mean when public opinion provides legitimacy of a democratic govt?
• the govt exists to serve the interest of its citizens • elected officials should implement policies favored by the people
Americans as a group __(1)__, even though __(2)__
• behave as ideal citizens • individuals do not
what does democracy mean if mass views have no place in shaping policy?
citizens can govern themselves
why does public opinion matter? (2)
• influences the actions of politicians and public officials • congresspeople considered public opinion when voting on major bills
how is the role of public opinion enhanced?
by the number of polls regularly conducted and reported
what main groups use public opinion? and why do they use public opinion?
• elected officials to justify policies • political candidates to mount campaigns • interest groups to promote their cause
what are the 3 levels of public opinion?
• broad / abstract = values and beliefs • intermediate = political orientations • specific = preferences about particular topics
what are values and beliefs
broad principles that individuals support and to which they adhere
what are the 4 basic values in American Culture
• rule of law • individualism • Liberty • Equality RILE
Rule of Law =
strong belief in legitimacy of the US constitution majority opinion should prevail
Individualism =
preference for rewarding hard work and limiting the role of govt
Liberty =
strong support for idea of basic freedoms and liberties
Equality =
all people should be treated equally under the law and have equal opportunities for economic success
attitudes regarding the performance of political leaders and institutions, candidate preferences in elections, and specific policy issues
political preferences
what influences political preferences?
political orientations