Chapter 4: Linking Public Officials to the Public: Public Opinion & Voting Opinion Attitude Public Opinion

Political Socialization Political culture: certain values and traditions transmitted though socialization or politicization. –Formal –Informal –Passive virtues v. Active virtues

Politically Relevant Learning Family Schools Peer groups Mass media Significant emotional events Demographic factors

Cross Pressure Cross-pressure hypothesis holds that the behavior of individuals under consistent pressure is different from that of those under cross pressure. –Individuals subject to consistent pressure are more likely to vote a straight ticket/high interest/consistent attitude –Individuals subject to cross pressures are move likely to vote split tickets/low interest/conflicting attitudes.

Intensity of Preference Trustee Representative: acts on the basis of calm deliberation and enlightened self interest Faction: Stronger reaction/risk

Voting & Voters: How well- informed? Educated Interest in politics Consistency Data is conflicting

Anticipated Reactions Carl Friedrich coined phrase to describe how even uninformed voters exercise some control over elected officials. –Attention to public officials –Polls/Opinion leaders –Examination of potential voters, opposing candidate’s record –Media

How Active are American Voters? Turnout levels Off-year congressional elections 1.Presidential = high stimulus 2.Other elections = low stimulus Coat tail effect

American Voters Right to vote --- states’ roles Colonial times – white male property owners Disenfranchised Literacy tests ended with The Voting Rights Act of 1965

American Voters 1920– 19 th Amendment: Women can vote 1971– 26 th Amendment: 18 year olds can vote State laws and regulations still exist (example: felons and voting rights)

Demographics Socioeconomic status (SES) Gender Race Religion Ethnicity Age

Who Votes? See Table 4.4 Whites are more likely to register and vote than blacks are. Blacks are more likely to register and vote than Hispanics are. Differences in registration and turnout between men and women is slight years olds are least likely to show up at the polls– Numbers highest after 35.

Why Do Americans Choose not to vote? Weather Peers Candidate choice Apathy Frustration Alienation Not registered Too busy Cost-benefit analysis

Why Should Americans Vote? A right Obligation Promote your ideals Offset ideals you dislike Express views “Vote or Shut Up” *****Local elections can be very close*****

1993 Motor-Voter Law Citizens can register when they get driver’s license Registration forms available at military recruitment offices Permits registration by mail Allows citizens to register at welfare and disability offices

Chapter 5: Collective Links to Public Officials Political Parties: U.S. has week 2-party system Democrats Republicans

Liberals v. Conservatives Liberals 1.Favor Change 2.Advocate Equality 3.Social services

Liberals v. Conservatives Conservatives 1.Promote traditional values 2.Advocate freedom from regulation 3.Limited Social role 4.Smaller government

Independents Dealignment? Message? 1/3 vote for Democrats, 1/3 vote for Republicans, rest unpredictable Tend to skew younger

Voting Split-ticket voting Cross-cutting political issues Traditional political issues

Party Organization/Function 1.Recruit Candidates 2.Train & Assist candidates 3.Raise $ (soft v. direct) 4.Attract voters—phone banks, mailings, grassroots campaigns

Party Organization/Function 5.Streamline process 6.Link party to people to government 7.Take positions on issues (label=cue) 8.Conflict resolution 9.Interest representation

Party Structure National Party Conventions Every 4 years Approve positions/platforms Make rules

National Committees Day-to-day operations Win presidency National Party chair (often appt’d by Presidential nominee) Senatorial Campaign Committee Congressional Campaign Committee

State & Local Political Party Organizations State Chair State Laws regulate County Committee Precinct Committee

Why US has 2-party system? Flexibility of current parties with times Winner v. proportional representation Campaign finance law Access to ballots

Interest Groups 1.Economic 2.Ideological 3.Public 4.Government

Effectiveness of Interest Groups 1.Positions 2.Competition 3.Interest in subject matter 4.Size 5.Geography 6.$$$ 7.Prestige 8.Motivation levels 9.Duration of existence 10.Objectives 11.ORGANIZATION

How do interest groups participate? Campaign $$$ Political Action Committees (PACs) Public Relations Influence on Appts. Lobbying