Recording-2025-02-10T14_29_35.931Z

Political Inputs

• Political inputs are the factors that affect the political system from the outside.

• Focus on public opinion, voting, and elections.

• Important to understand not just how we vote, but also how we can run for office.

Public Opinion

• Definition: Collective analysis of what citizens approve or disapprove regarding policies, candidates, and ideals.

• Influential in shaping politics, used by politicians and the media.

• Origin of Public Opinions: Developed in childhood based on beliefs and attitudes.

• Political socialization starts at home, influenced by family, education systems, and social groups.

• Beliefs: Core ideals (equality, freedom) that form a person's worldview.

• Attitudes: Preferences shaped by beliefs and life experiences.

• Importance of societal norms in relation to political opinion and behavior.

Agents of Political Socialization

• People and institutions that shape our understanding and participation in politics.

• May include family, teachers, religious organizations, media.

• Socialization impacts our political opinions and helps us connect to societal values.

• Diffuse support: In the U.S., public opinion is fragmented due to cultural, regional, and ideological diversity.

Political Spectrum and Ideology

• Political Ideology: Framework where beliefs and attitudes shape political viewpoints.

• Historical events like wars, economic downturns can shift political ideologies.

• Most Americans are placed somewhere on a political spectrum from conservative (right) to liberal (left).

• Voting behavior is influenced by upbringing and socialization.

The Role of Mass Media

• Media influences public opinion and political decision-making.

• Covert Information: Presented as neutral but holds bias (e.g., major news networks).

• Overt Information: Clearly biased sources that disclose their stance.

• Social media adds complexity to how information is digested and shared.

Voter Turnout

• Low voter turnout rates, traditionally around 30-50%.

• Influenced heavily by age, education, and income.

• Age: Older people more likely to vote due to vested interests (e.g., Social Security).

• Younger voters (18-25) tend to participate less due to various barriers (e.g., transportation, awareness).

Challenges to Voting

• Structural barriers include lack of public holidays for elections, issues with accessibility, and socioeconomic disparities.

• Voter registration has simplified in many states with acts like the National Voter Registration Act.

• Understanding the criteria for voter registration: citizenship, residency, age (18), and no disenfranchisement like certain felony convictions.

Elections

• Conducted at state level; procedures vary widely by state.

• Competitive races are common; incumbents often have an advantage.

• Campaign financing is critical—running for office is expensive, often necessitating support from Political Action Committees (PACs).

• The Electoral College is pivotal in presidential elections, with 270 electoral votes required to win.

• The outcome of elections can significantly shape policy and governmental direction.

Campaigning and Political Behavior

• Influence of television and media on candidate visibility.

• Negative political ads and their impact on voter perceptions.

• Straight ticket voting: people voting along party lines rather than based on individual candidates.

• Voter behavior is often driven by identity characteristics or single-issue focus.

Direct Democracy and Participation

• Citizens can influence legislation through initiatives, propositions, and referendums.

• Opportunities for direct involvement in local governance and policy-making.

• Variations in how direct democracy is implemented from state to state.

Conclusion

• Political inputs play a critical role in shaping public opinion and voter behavior, influencing the dynamics of elections and governance in the U.S.