🗳️ Public Opinion and Political Participation

Public Opinion

Refers to the collective attitudes and beliefs held by a significant portion of the population regarding political matters.

Importance of Public Opinion

To guide and restrain the actions of elected officials in a representative democracy.

Influence of Public Opinion

It acts as a check on elected officials, who track public sentiment (via polls) to avoid making decisions that could lead to their loss in future elections.

Demography and how is it studied?

Is the science of population changes (who people are, where they live). Primarily through government data collection, most notably the U.S. Census.

Purpose of the U.S. Census

To conduct an 'actual enumeration' (count) of the U.S. population to determine representation.

Frequency of the U.S. Census

It occurs every ten years.

Reapportionment

The process of reallocating the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the states based on the population changes recorded by the Census.

Demographic Shifts and Political Power

The movement of population to the South and West (Sunbelt) has caused these states to gain House seats and Electoral College votes, increasing their national political power.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political attitudes and beliefs. Its main agents are family, school, and media.

Influence of Family on Political Socialization

Family is the most important early agent, often passing on party ID.

Influence of School on Political Socialization

School teaches democratic norms.

Influence of Media on Political Socialization

The media informs about and interprets political events.

Older Americans and Political Participation

They have had more time to be socialized into politics, have stronger party identification, and typically have more resources (time, money, education).

Polling

Measure attitudes by surveying a small, representative sample of the population and generalizing the results.

Sampling

The selection of a small group to represent a whole population.

Importance of Random Sampling

It ensures every person has an equal chance of being selected, making the sample representative and the results valid.

Error of the 1936 Literary Digest Poll

A non-representative sample (surveying only wealthy subscribers and car owners).

Benefits of Public Opinion Polls

Help officials gauge public needs and act as a check on power.

Drawbacks of Public Opinion Polls

Can make politicians' followers instead of leaders and may create a 'bandwagon effect.'

Bandwagon Effect

When voters support a candidate simply because they are leading in the polls.

Impact of Question Wording on Poll Results

Leading, loaded, or emotionally charged questions can significantly bias the responses, making the poll results inaccurate.

Differences between Liberal and Conservative Ideologies

Liberals generally favor a larger government role in the economy/social services and support political change. Conservatives generally favor a smaller government role (free market) and support tradition.

Gender Gap in Voting

The pattern where women are consistently more likely to vote for Democratic candidates than men are.

Conventional Political Participation

Accepted, routine activities (e.g., voting, campaign work).

Unconventional

Dramatic, less accepted activities (e.g., protesting, civil disobedience).

Socioeconomic Status

(more income, education) are significantly more likely to participate in politics.

Political Parties

The main purpose is to win elections to control the government and influence public policy.

Key Functions of Political Parties in the U.S.

Nominate candidates, run campaigns, inform voters, and coordinate policy between government branches.

Two-Party System

It's defined by the fact that only two major parties (Democrats and Republicans) have a realistic chance of winning.

Strengths of Two-Party System

Promotes stability.

Weaknesses of Two-Party System

Limits choice and increases gridlock.

Primaries and Caucuses

Both are methods parties use to select their candidates for the general election.

Primaries

Private, state-run elections using a secret ballot.

Caucuses

Local, public meetings where party members debate and vote openly.

Closed Primary

Only party members can vote (Pro: loyalty; Con: excludes independents).

Open Primary

Voters choose which party's ballot to vote on election day (Pro: participation; Con: allows 'raiding').

Role of Primaries and Caucuses

The initial step used to select delegates who will attend the national convention to officially nominate the presidential candidate.

Gerrymandering

Drawing election districts to unfairly benefit a party.

Techniques of Gerrymandering

Packing (concentrating opponents' voters) and Cracking (spreading opponents' voters thinly).

Effect of Gerrymandering

It creates uncompetitive, safe districts, leading to less moderate representation and making the final outcome less reflective of the statewide popular vote.

Electoral College Purpose

Its purpose is to elect the president.

Electoral College Function

In most states, the candidate who wins the state's popular vote wins all of that state's electoral votes.

Total Electoral Votes

538 total electoral votes exist.

Votes Needed to Win Presidency

270 are needed to win the presidency.

Criticisms of the Electoral College

The winner of the popular vote can lose the election.

Federalism and Electoral College

It reflects federalism by giving states a central role in electing the president, thus maintaining a balance between the popular will and state sovereignty.

Special Interest Group

An organization of people with shared goals who seek to influence government policy.

Roles of Special Interest Groups

They represent their members, help stimulate public interest in issues, and provide specialized information to policymakers.

Lobbying

The act of trying to influence a government decision-maker.

Methods of Lobbying

Meeting with officials, providing information, and testifying at hearings.

Direct Lobbying

Working directly with government officials (e.g., meeting with a Congressperson).

Indirect Lobbying

Using the public (grassroots) to pressure officials (e.g., running ads, organizing protests).

Types of Interest Groups

Economic: Seek financial gain for members (e.g., AFL-CIO—labor, Chamber of Commerce—business). Public: Seek a collective good that benefits society as a whole (e.g., Common Cause—good government). Single-Issue: Focus intensely on one specific topic (e.g., NRA - gun rights, Planned Parenthood - reproductive rights).