Political Ideology Chapter 7, Theme B

Pop Quiz 7 ► Check even item numbers on “How do we vote?” Sheet.

Origins of Political Socialization ► Schooling/Education-  The more educated, the more politically involved  College has a liberalizing effect for life  Why? (Personal traits, Information, Profs.)  Effect growing as numbers increase  Are students more conservative today?

Origins of Political Socialization ► Media-  Bernard Cohen said that the media is “stunningly successful in telling their audience what to think about.”  Do you agree? Or not?  Recent Examples? ► Discuss which factors shape which issue.

Cleavages in Socialization ► Social Class  Less important in the US than Europe  Class voting has sharply declined since 1940s in Western World  Why? ► Liberalizing effect of higher education ► Non-economic issues define liberal & conservative ► Moral, symbolic, & foreign policy issues do not divide social classes the same way.

Cleavages in Socialization ► Race & Ethnicity  Complex differences between white & black Americans; some narrowing, some widening  Generational differences among African Americans surfacing. Ex?  Disparity between black leaders and black citizens  Asians and Latinos are diverse within their ethnic groups as well. Exs.?

Cleavages in Socialization ► Region  White southerners more conservative on social issues such as aid to minorities, legalizing marijuana, bussing and rights of the accused.  Similar to others on economic issues.  Political views today are less regionally distinct.  Southerners are less attached to the Democratic Party today.  Cities tend to be democratic. What other factors contribute to this trend?

Defining The Term ► What is Political Ideology? ► Coherent & consistent set of political beliefs about who ought to rule, the principles the rulers ought to obey, and what policies the rules ought to pursue.

Consistent Attitudes ► In what terms do political scientists measure a person’s ideology?  Frequency of describing choices  Consistency of preferences over time ► People can have strong dispositions even without these criteria. ► Plurality crosses traditional borders…considers themselves “moderate.”

Liberal vs. Conservative ► Early 1800s: Liberals favored personal & economic freedom from the gov’t. Conservatives favored restoration of power to traditional sources. ► New Deal Metamorphosis: Liberals favored an activist gov’t. Conservatives favored reaction & prevention to this activism with states’ rights individual economic choice.

Liberal vs. Conservative ► Today’s meanings are imprecise and changing. ► Three useful categories in gauging political ideologies:  Economic Policy: Exs. Of each?  Civil Rights: Exs. Of each?  Public & Political Conduct: Exs.?

Consistent Categories ► Ideology Charts Ideology Charts Ideology Charts ► Show Class Idealog Results Class Idealog ResultsClass Idealog Results ► Discuss trends and demographics to frame “How do I Vote?” Sheet.

Population Breakdown

Activity & Discussion ► Take the results from the first quiz on the blog. ► Group yourselves based upon your ideology. ► As the statement is read, stand if you agree; sit if you disagree. ► You may switch corners if you feel you are misplaced!

Political Elites ► Definition?  Those with a disproportional amount of a valued resource ► Other Characteristics?  Display greater ideological consistency  Have access to more info. & have more interest in politics  Peers reinforce this consistency

“New Class” of Political Elites ► Those advantaged by the power, resources, and growth of government ► How is this different? ► Examples of elites outside of government? Ideology? Source of power?  Directly benefit from the gov’t.  High levels of schooling

Influencing Public Policy ► Elites influence public policy 2 ways:  Raise and Frame political issues  State norms to settle issues & define policy options ► Limits of influence  Don’t define econ., crime & other problems of pers. Experience  Elites contradict & limit ea. other

V.O. Key’s Responsible Electorate ► Read the VO Key essay. After each paragraph, summarize the main idea. ► Create an acrostic poem using key vocabulary or phrases. Due THURSDAY! ► Read pp Take notes on voter demographics, vocabulary, and voter turnout.