1. Public Opinion and Political Behaviors
Unit IIB
Public Opinion

2. Public Opinion
The attitudes, perceptions, and viewpoints individuals hold about government and politics
Influenced by political culture and political socialization
Skewed by limited political education and efficacy
Shaped by government, interest groups, and mass media

3. Types of Public Opinion Polls
Straw Polls
A non-binding, and usually impromptu, poll among a large group of people to initiate discussion
Unreliable due to no cross-section of general population
Telephone Polls
Internet Polls
Focus Groups
A demographically diverse group of people gathered to be surveyed on particular issue or to be surveyed throughout a campaign
Benchmark Polls
The first public opinion survey done before or immediately after a candidate announces their campaign
Entrance Polls
Public opinion surveys taken before voters cast their ballots
Tracking Polls
The same samples are periodically surveyed to measure shifts in opinion
Exit Polls
Public opinion surveys taken after voters cast their ballots
Push Polls
Misleading poll questions to push a certain choice/candidate/issue

4. Measurement of Public Opinion Development of Polls
George Gallup’s Ideas
Sampling
Represent general population and randomized
Valid questions
Clear, fair, unbiased, not misleading
Control of poll
Tone of question, basic knowledge of issues
Analysis
Provide sampling errors, show time and place of poll

5. Measuring Public Opinion
Public opinion polls are most reliable measurement of public opinion
Measured Qualities
Intensity of beliefs
Real wants and needs
Constant or changing opinions
Consensus or polarized over issues
Reliable?
Who conducts the poll?
What is the sample size? Large sample size? Small sample size?
Population sample? Randomized sample? Representative sample?
Time of poll? Relevant to current issues?
Methodology? Consistent measures?
Sampling error? Low margin of error? Within -/+ 3%?
Clarity of questions? Unbiased? Unambiguous?

6. Sample Poll Examples Do you favor or oppose taxes?
Do you favor or oppose taxes as a means to national security?
Do you favor or oppose Senator Smith, who voted to raise taxes last session?
Do you favor or oppose a state income tax of 7%?

7. Political Trust Government is a “necessary evil”
Major shifts in public opinion with major events
Pearl Harbor
Vietnam
9/11
Hurricane Katrina
Great Recession

8. Confidence in Institutions

9. Political Ideologies A consistent set of political beliefs
Develop based on economic, political, and social issues
Political ideologies may change over time

10. Political Ideologies Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Rapid fundamental changes; extreme methods such as revolution
Liberal
Supports political and social reforms; government regulations; minority support; equality
Moderate
More tolerant; shares liberal and conservative beliefs
Conservative
Support social and economic status quo; reluctant for change, and only gradual change; less government; liberty
Reactionary
Return to previous or historical system; extreme methods for accomplishment

12. On American Issues ISSUE LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE Scope of Government
Large government to enforce liberties and equality
Limited government; states’ rights
Taxes
Increase for businesses and upper-class
Tax cuts for businesses and all classes
Government Spending
Increase to stimulate economy
Decrease to avoid debt; austerity policies
Defense Spending and Military
Decrease bureaucracy and spending
Increase for national security
Affirmative Action
Support and expand
Reduce or eliminate; “reverse racism”
Abortion
Pro-choice; include as part of health care
Pro-life; allowed only in cases of rape, incest, health of mother
Economy
Increased regulation; support Federal Reserve
Free enterprise and free market economy
Global Warming
Man-made consequence
Natural global cycle
Same-Sex Marriage
Support equality of marriage
Marriage between a man and woman; states decide
Global Affairs
Support the United Nations
American exceptionalism
Energy
Alternative and cleaner resources
Subsidies for natural gas, oil, coal
Social Security
Preserve the safety net
Needs reform; privatization
Health Care
Government-controlled low-cost care; single-payer option
Free market and private-run health care
Death Penalty
Inhumane
Crime deterrent
Immigration
Easier path to citizenship; multicultural
Secure the borders; English at official language
Prayer in Schools
Violates separation of church and state; secular government
Official practice; teach intelligent design
Global Market
Fair trade
Free trade
2nd Amendment (Right to bear arms)
Gun control
Gun rights
Equality
Fair chance
Equal opportunity

13. World’s Smallest Political Quiz