Public Opinion & Political Action

The American People: Demographic Trends What is demography? What such trends would affect American politics? Changes in race/ethnicity of population New minority majority Changes in age of population Graying of America Regional shifts in population Regional shift to the West and South  Reapportionment

The coming minority majority

Political Culture Widely shared beliefs, values and norms concerning relationships of citizens to government / one another Important Elements of American Political Culture liberty - preoccupation with rights equality - equal vote, equal opportunity, equality under the law, but not equal wealth democracy - politicians accountable to the people civic duty - serve community individual responsibility – barring some disability, individuals responsible for own actions and well being

Examples of Conflict in American Political Culture Identify the two elements of American political culture in conflict for each statement. Example: High School students can pay taxes on their incomes but cannot vote. Conflict: Civic Duty (pay taxes) is in conflict with Equality (equal vote)

Examples of Conflict in American Political Culture Example: You can’t yell ‘Fire’ in a crowded building. Conflict: Example: Citizens must pay income tax every April. Example: Individuals can vote and register for the Selective Service at 18, but cannot legally drink alcohol until they are 21. Provide two additional examples of conflicts in the five elements of American political culture.

Political Socialization What do we do when we “socialize?” How are people affected by those they socialize with? How would we be affected “politically” by those we socialize with? Brainstorm possible agents of political socialization. What factors seem to be the most influential?

Political Socialization Process by which parents and others teach children about values, beliefs and attitudes of political culture Agents or Influencing Factors of Political Socialization Family Religion Gender Level of Education Race and Ethnicity Region Community Social Class Media Peer Group Teachers

Identifying Influences of Your Political Socialization Fill out the handout Complete the reflection questions Which agent has the least influence on your decisions and which has the greatest?

Political Ideologies What Americans Value

Political Ideology A consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government. Liberal / left Favor active role of government in society Seek change Conservative / right Favor a more limited role of government in society Want to preserve traditional ways Exceptions / contradictions

Break it down: 41% conservative/21% liberal Younger people less conservative Minorities less conservative Wealthy more conservative Gender gap Religious more conservative

The Political Spectrum

Measuring Public Opinion Public Opinion Polls Sample Small group polled – supposed to be representative Public opinion polling = 1000-1500 people Random sampling Sampling error = level of confidence in poll 1500-2000 in sample  + 3 % Mr. Cashill told me only 900 necessary in sample

Poll Positives Policymakers can keep in touch with voters’ changing opinions on issues Especially between elections Thus contributes to democratic process People can too

Poll Negatives Polls only reflect the passive attitudes of voters Politicians “follow” what is popular rather than “lead” Probably not true Create bandwagon effect People support candidate because perceived as popular Exit poll can affect outcome of national elections Bradley effect? Pollsters can manipulate polls

Poll Question Wording Smoking Gun Control Should people be allowed to smoke cigarettes? Since cigarettes are dangerous and have deadly side effects such as cancer wouldn't you agree that smoking should be controlled to save the lives of many?  Gun Control Do you agree or disagree with this statement: "There is a need for stricter gun laws." Many people have said that there is a need for stricter laws on dangerous weapons. Do you agree?

War with Iraq (January 2003 Pew Research survey) “Would you favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule” 68% favored military action 25% opposed military action “Would you favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule even if it meant that U.S. forces might suffer thousands of casualties” 43% favored 48% opposed

2005 Pew Research survey 51% of respondents said they favored “making it legal for doctors to give terminally ill patients the means to end their lives” 44% said they favored “making it legal for doctors to assist terminally ill patients in committing suicide”

FRQ Public opinion polls are a way to link the public with elected officials. Members of Congress often use polls to understand the views of their constituents, but they must also pay attention to other political considerations.   Identify two characteristics of a valid, scientific, public opinion poll. Explain why each of the following enhances the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. Strong public opinion as expressed in polling results Competitive re-elections Explain why each of the following limits the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. Legislators’ voting records Party leadership

Decline of trust in government

Political Participation

Types of Political Participation Voting Most common for Americans; especially in presidential elections Protesting Dramatic and unconventional Civil disobedience Contributing Contacting Campaigning Running for office Joining a political organization Litigating Chatting Why would people choose to do each of these things?