GOV Public Opinion/Media Review

What Supreme Court case held that the First Amendment prohibited limits on campaign contributions?

Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission (2010)

The attitudes held by a large number of people reflect

Public Opinion

What is an Opinion Leader?

A celebrity, politician, or civic leader who adds their name to an idea or a movement

When a candidate wins an election by a wide margin, he or she is often said to have a ___________ from the people.

Mandate

Scientific Poll

The most accurate form of polling. Questions are asked to a select group of people.

Exit Poll

Asking people who they voted for after they cast their ballot.

Straw Poll

Asking the same question to a large group of people.

Push Poll

Asking questions that are designed to leave a negative impression with voters.

What is the mass media? Examples?

All of the means of communicating information to the public EX: Ex. TV, podcasts, newspapers, magazines, social media

The issues that people think and talk about is referred to as

Public Agenda

What is an Interest Group?

A group of like-minded people who form to promote the interest of its members

What are Interest Groups often criticized for?

The amount of money they spend on campaigns

A government's goals and actions are referred to as __________

Public Policy

Single-Interest Groups

Focus solely on one issue

Professional Interest Groups

Based off of a profession or job (teachers, doctors, lawyers, police, etc.)

In what ways do Interest Groups and Political Parties differ?

Interest groups focus on one issue where political parties have a platform of issues and ideas to run on.

How do Interest Groups fulfill functions in American Society?

They stimulate interest in public affairs, represent their members on the basis of shared attitudes, and can be used as a vehicle for political participation.

How do Interest Groups try to influence public opinion?

Supply information to the public,try to build positive reputations in society, and try to persuade the public to adopt their views

Influencing the ideas of others is known as __________

Propaganda

What are some influences on public opinion?

Family, school, peers, job, religion, opinion leaders, world events

What is Political Socialization? Examples?

How you develop your ideas about government and politics EX: family, school, peers, job, religion, opinion leaders, world events

What are some criticisms of Interest Groups?

Illegal or unethical tactics, the amount of money they spend, the amount of influence they have over government

Glittering Generalities

An unsupported statement that makes a candidate look good or virtuous

Bandwagon Effect

Urging voters to support a candidate because everyone else is

Common Man (Plain Folks)

The candidate’s position reflects the common sense of the public

Name-calling

Identifying candidates with negative terms such as “un-American”

Transfer

Using someone’s feelings about one thing to get you to feel the same way about something else

Testimonial

A celebrity or respected person endorsing, or officially supporting, a product or idea.

Card Stacking

Use facts and figures to show one side as positive and the other side as negative.