Public Opinion Flashcards
Public opinion
the values and attitudes the people have about issues, events and personalities
Values/Beliefs
A person’s basic orientation to politics
Political Ideology
A set of beliefs that form ta general philosophy about government
Attitude/Opinion
Specific view/preference regarding a particular issue, personality or event
Liberty
Freedom from government control
Equality of opporunity
People should have the freedom to pursue whatever talents and wealth their heart desires
Democracy
Our system that allows its citizens to play a significant part in the government process
Example: Elections
Ideology
A set of underlying orientations, ideas, beliefs
Liberalism
The niggas who like government intervention and economic equality, expansion of social services and the good of the consumers and the environment
Conservatism
Mostly crackas who generally support the social and econcomic status quo
Believes big government imposes on citizens freedoms
Liberals on foreign affairs
Oppose sending American troops
Support for international organizations
Conservatives on foreign affairs
Support of military power
Less supportive of international organizations
Political socialization
The process of forming one’s political beliefs and values
Agents of Socialization
Niggas who influence your train of thought on issues
Examples: Family, Friends, Niggas
Family
The earliest forms of political socialization that we acquire
Social groups
People of similar traits or backgrounds
Share similar experiences to improve understanding of the political world
What does the role of religion have of ideology?
Those who regularly attend religious services tend to share conservative values
Support Republican candidates
Who do people of color generally identify with?
Democrats
What do peers do to your train of thought?
They normally reinforce already-held beliefs and values
This is because we normally choose friends that share the same beliefs as us
What role do race & ethnicity play in the 2012 elections?
Candidates must reach out to the people of color do to their growing population
Gender Gap
The different political and social viewpoints of men and women
Generational effect
The influence of significant external events that shape the view of a generation
Example: 9/11, The Great Depression, Civil Rights Movements
What level of political knowledge do Americans tend to have?
Low
Who are the powerful sources of influences over public opinion?
Political leaders
Private groups
The media
