Public Opinion 2/26 Heim

Public Opinion

The Mind and the State (or if you prefer,

The Principles and Beliefs) of the American

People

the Issue of Attention.

"Most people, most of the

time, do not pay attention to politics," Devin Caughey,

professor of political science at MIT, but,

a. "Most people will answer any question you ask

them."

the issue of Cost.

Becoming Politically informed (on say the

Nature of proposals regarding trade policy) is costly and

Often provides little perceived benefit to the individual.

Number one factor on political party choice

family background

other factors on political party choice

religion, religion of the country, social class, dramatic casuality events,

Aggregation

compiling individual opinions into blocs

And determining key variables.

Interest Groups

many and another element of

American politics. Most are based upon material

And economic interests. American Medical

Association, American Association of Retired

Persons (AARP)