Public Opinion November 1, 2012

I. Types of publics in America 1.Elites: % AND Influential 2.Raise issues  Set Agenda 3.WHO are the elites? Percentage of public?

I. Types 2.Attentive: active interest in govt. and politics 1.Who are they 2.Percentage of the population, 25% 3.Mass: those with little interest in govt. and politics 1.Who are they %

III. Measurement of public opinion 1.Elections: DECEIVING 1.Voting? 2.Straw Polls-DEFINE 1.Inaccurate 3.Scientific Polls: (difficulties) 1.Construction 1.Universe (who is measured) 2.Selection of sampling Random digit dialing Sampling error 3.Writing the question (bias) 4.Selection of means of polling

III. Measurement of public opinion… 3.Scientific Polls 2.Use of polls (4 MAJOR USES??) Informing the public Informing candidates Informing office holders Making election night projections  Exit Polls

III. Measurement of public opinion… 3.Scientific Polls 3.Abuses of Polls “Horse-race” Early projections  discourage voters 2000, some West Coast voters did not turnout

IV. Public awareness and interest in politics 1.Secondary in importance, especially the mass public (WHY?) 1.? 2.? 3.? 2.Substantial lack of pol. Knowledge on part of public 1.Can’t identify key political figures OR key issues muslim_n_ html