GENERAL INFO
What is public opinion?
Refers to the ideas and attitudes people hold about a particular issue/person.
What is an interest group?
An interest group is a group of individuals who share the same opinion/belief about a person/issue that convene together and try to get people to see from their viewpoint as well.
What are the three features public opinion is described as?
Direction, intensity, and stability.
What is one way to measure public opinion?
Looking at election results.
What are push polls?
Polls worded to influence a persons reponses one way or another.
What are the types of media?
Print media and electronic media.
What things are considered mass media pertaining to sources of public opinion?
Televison, radio, newspapers, magazines, recordings, movies, internet websites, and books.
What is direction in terms of features of public opinion?
It is whether public opinion on any given topic is positive or negative.
What does election results show?
A broad public opinion.
What do people who believe polling is a good thing say?
It allows office holders to keep in touch with citizens changing ideas about issues.
What is the public agenda?
The things that recieve the most time, money, and effort from government leaders.
What role do public officials have in sources of public opinion?
They can influence peoples opinions by stating their views and influencing their followers.
What is intensity in terms of features of public opinion?
It refers to the strength of an opinion on any given issue.
What is a more accurate way to request individuals opinion?
Through surverys or public opinion polls.
Why does how somebody words a question matter?
It could influence somebody's answer one way or the other.
What is the "watch dog" role?
What does personal background pertain to when talking about sources of public opinion?
Age, gender, income, race, religon, occupation, place of residency.
What is stability in terms of features of public opinion?
Stability is how firmly people hold to their beliefs.
What is a pollster?
A pollster measures the president's popularity or public attitudes toward possible white house proposals.
What is another issue brought up with polling?
What is a benefit to "leaking" information?
It quietly tests whether or not the public agrees with the idea and then the politician can chose to move forward or not.
What is a medium?
Any means of communication.
What do Americans hold the strongest convictions about?
Issues that affect their lives.
What is the problem with polls?
It makes our elected officials more concerned with pleasing the public rather than exercising public leadership and making wise decisions.
What are the other influences on public policy not including polling?
Interest groups, political parties, the mass media, other institutions of government, and individuals.