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Public Opinion

Public opinion encompasses the views of significant segments of society on various issues, influenced by factors like family, friends, education, regionality, and socioeconomic status. The concepts of 'Middle America' and the 'silent majority' highlight the conservative elements of public sentiment. While many opinions exist, their measurement can be inaccurate, with straw polls often falling short. A scientific polling approach provides a more accurate reflection. Additionally, political ideology plays a key role, categorizing individuals into liberal, conservative, or mixed views, influencing their perspectives on economic and social issues.

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Public Opinion

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Public Opinion Ch 7 AP Government

  2. Defined • Public opinion is the opinion of a significant number of people on an issue • Middle America = middle class • Silent majority = conservatives

  3. Limits on Public Opinion • Many publics • Many opinions • Ignorance, do not know the issue • Regionality (urban-rural) • Culture/class differences • Methods of measuring

  4. Where does your opinion come from? • Family #1 • Friends • School • Religious beliefs • Economic/social status • Education • Gender

  5. Cleavages • Differences • Why a person doesn’t fit into one group • Social class • Race/ethnicity • Region (where you live)

  6. Polling • Straw polls—not very accurate Simple questions • Scientific polling—very accurate Small number of people needed to poll the entire nation

  7. Scientific Polling 5 parts • Determine universe • Determine sample • Write valid questions • Conduct valid poll • Analyze/report results

  8. Public Opinion and Ideology • Opinions are general • Ideologies narrow it down • Political Ideology • Definition– a consistent set of beliefs on issues and politics.

  9. Political Ideology • Liberal • Conservative • Consistent stance on economic and social issues • Can be mixed

  10. Variations of Ideology Pure Liberals S=liberal E=liberal Libertarians S=liberal E=conservative Populists S=conservative E=liberal Pure Conservatives S=Conservative E=Conservative

  11. Elites • Do not fit into one of the 4 categories of ideology • Have a connection to government or great influence by/on it. • Affect the public agenda

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