1. Process By Which Citizens Learn About Politics (Political Socialization)
Everything You Need To Know About The Process By Which Citizens Learn About Politics To Succeed In AP Gov

2. Political Socialization
What is it?
The process in which people gain their political beliefs (orientation)
Over time, political beliefs tends to become more entrenched
For this reason, totalitarian regimes often try to influence the youth

3. Ways Individuals Are Politically Socialized
Family
Media
School

4. #1: Family and Political Socialization
Family plays an important way in which people are politically socialized
Often, it is done in an informal setting
Parents do not often overtly state why they have their political beliefs
Children often pick up on their beliefs over time
Most young people will vote based on the political beliefs of their parents

5. #2: Media
This outlet is playing an increasingly important role in recent years
News is being absorbed less through TV news broadcasts and newspapers compared to the past, especially for youth
The median age of nightly news broadcasts is 61!
Other forms of mass media are influencing individuals
Internet - could lead to issues of credibility, bias, etc.

6. #3: School Schools help promote national unity Pledge of Allegiance
Schools help promote individuals to support the country’s political system
American schools tend to support ideas such as democracy and capitalism
In totalitarian governments, schools can be used to promote propaganda
Most schools in America are public, and financed by the government
Teachers are certified by the government
The more educated people are, the more likely they are to vote in an election

7. Political Participation Over Time
Generally speaking, citizens are more likely to participate in politics as they age
Additionally, party identification increases with age as well
The highest percentage of voters comes from those that are 55 and older

8. Quick Recap Definition of Political Socialization
Impact of the following on political socialization:
**Family**
Media
School