The Nature of Public Opinion
Most people base their political opinions on closely held ideas called
What is beliefs
How is public opinion typically measured?
Public opinion is typically measured through surveys and polls. Polling companies randomly contact a sample of people from the population, asking them about their views on political issues, events, or leaders. The results are then analyzed to estimate the opinions of the broader population.
The primary political party system in the united states
What is A Two Party System
How does public opinion affect elections?
Public opinion shapes media coverage and voter perceptions, influencing which candidates get more attention. High poll numbers can boost a candidate’s momentum and fundraising, while also creating a "bandwagon effect" where more voters support leading candidates.
a collection of opinions of an individual or a group of individuals on a topic, person, or event
What is Political Opinion?
Accepted ideas about what we may feel should happen in our society
What is Norms
What is a random sample, and why is it important in measuring public opinion?
A random sample is a subset of individuals chosen from a larger population where each person has an equal chance of being selected. This is crucial because it helps ensure that the survey results are representative of the general population, reducing bias and increasing the accuracy of the findings.
The name of the two main US political parties.
What are Republicans and Democrats
Do politicians always follow public opinion?
Not always. Politicians may ignore public opinion if it conflicts with their personal beliefs or long-term goals. For instance, Presidents Obama and Bush did not always act according to public sentiment on issues like Guantanamo Bay or the Iraq War.
A political system of total control by the ruling party or political leader over the economy, the military, society, and culture and often the private lives of citizens.
What is Facism?
The process by which we are trained to understand and join a country’s political world.
What is Political Socialization
What role do polling companies play in measuring public opinion?
Polling companies design and conduct surveys to gather data about people's opinions on various issues. They then analyze the responses to interpret trends, public sentiment, and preferences, which can inform political decisions, media reporting, and public policy.
Shortcuts/Generalizations for decision making.
What is Heuristics?
How does public opinion influence Congress?
Public opinion influences how Congress votes, especially for House members who face reelection every two years. Shifts in public mood can change policy preferences, but incumbency and party affiliation also play a large role in election outcomes.
an informal and unofficial election poll conducted with a non-random population
What is Straw Poll?
Beliefs becoming widely opposed over periods of time
What is Polarization
What are some common methods of conducting public opinion polls?
Public opinion polls are commonly conducted through phone interviews, online surveys, face-to-face interviews, or automated systems (such as robocalls). Each method has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the target demographic and the nature of the issue being studied.
Public opinion about American institutions is measured in ________
What is Public Approval Ratings.
What is "horserace coverage," and how does it affect public opinion?
Horserace coverage focuses on which candidates are leading in polls, creating a competitive narrative. This can influence public opinion by making candidates with high poll numbers seem more viable, often increasing their support.
a number that states how far the poll results may be from the actual preferences of the total population of citizens
What is Margin of Error?
The two biggest political ideologies in the United States
What is Liberalism and Conservatism?
Why do politicians and media outlets use public opinion data?
Politicians and media outlets use public opinion data to understand the views and preferences of the electorate. This information can guide political campaigns, influence policy decisions, shape public discourse, and help politicians tailor their messages to better connect with voters.
Government institution that has historically received lower approval ratings than presidents
What is Congress
Does public opinion affect the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court is less directly influenced by public opinion due to lifetime tenure, but in high-profile cases, the Court may align with public sentiment, especially if a decision is widely supported or controversial. However, justices generally focus on long-term legal principles.
the difference between a poll result and an election result in which voters gave a socially desirable poll response rather than a true response that might be perceived as racist
What is Bradley Effect?