Public Opinion
The collection of views shared by a segment of society on issues of interest or concern
What is public opinion?
Means of communication that provide information to a large audience
What is mass media?
An association of people who hold similar views or goals
What are special interest groups?
An organization that tries to elect its members to public office so that its views can become public policy
What are political parties?
A survey of people scientifically selected to provide opinions about something
What is a poll?
In this view of the "public", the people are the ones leading public policy.
What is the "issue public"? / What is the "public" as separate?
The earliest form of mass media in the United States
What is print media? / What is the Gazette of the United States?
An organization created to raise and contribute money legally to the campaigns of political candidates
What are political action committees (PACs)?
The continuum of social and political beliefs that stretches from conservative to liberal
What is the political spectrum?
To publicly declare support for a particular candidate in an election
What is (to) endorse?
The process by which people acquire their political beliefs
What is political socialization?
Journalism that appeals to emotions and covers sensational topics
What is yellow journalism?
Interest groups formed around a specific issue
What are cause-based groups?
The body of people entitled to vote
What is the electorate?
The process of naming candidates for elective office
What is (the) nomination process?
Statements meant to influence public opinion or promote a cause or viewpoint
What is propaganda?
A media outlet choosing to not cover a certain story
What is bias in story selection?
The lowest level of an organization or society
What is grass roots?
Any political party in a two-party system besides the two major ones
What is a third party?
A voting district made up of several precincts?
What is (a) ward?
Errors introduced by polling methods that lead to one outcome over others
What is bias?
The earliest form of electronic mass media.
What is (the) radio?
Contacting a public official to support the interest group's interests
What is lobbying?
The smallest unit for administering elections and local voting
What is a precinct?
The choices government makes and the actions it takes in response to a particular issue or problem
What is public policy?