Pt 3: Chapter 6 Notes Flashcards
What is the traditional method of public opinion?
Election results
What is the primary method of measuring public opinion?
Public opinion polls
Estimation of population’s views
Samples
Accuracy of a poll is expressed by what
sampling error
What was the biggest error with the Courier Journal poll?
Dishonesty by respondents
Opinions of citizens that are openly stated
Public opinion
The process by which people acquire their political opinions, beliefs, and values
Political socialization
Process is ____: political affiliations usually grow firmer with age
cumulative
These entities are:
- peers
- media
- leaders
- events
Secondary political socialization agents
Reference points by which individuals evaluate issues and developments
frames of reference
Emotional loyalty to a political party; not formal membership
Party identification
- A coherent set of political beliefs
Political ideology
What are these examples of?
- economic liberals/conservatives
- social liberals/conservatives
- populists
- libertarians
Political ideology learnings
How many Americans have a true political ideology?
Few
What are these examples of?
- religion
- economic class
- region
- race and ethnicity
- gender
- generations and age
group orientations
What is the traditional method of measuring public opinion?
election results
What is the primary method of measuring public opinion?
public opinion polls
Estimation of population’s views
samples
Accuracy of a poll is expressed by what?
Sampling error
What are some problems with polls?
- increasing refusal to participate in telephone polls
- polled individuals unfamiliar with issues
- dishonesty by respondents
- poorly worded questions and poor question order
- non-opinions
Are there limits on public influence?
Yes, including:
- citizens lack of understanding of issues
The greater the level of public involvement, the _____ likely officials will respond to public sentiment
More likely
Leaders can influence public opinion through what?
Concerted effort
T/F: On popular issues leaders dont really have much discretion
False. even on popular issues, leaders have some discretion
