1. How do you think political parties are affected by public opinion?

2. Chapter 8 Section 1: Public Opinion
Main Idea: Identify and discuss several factors affecting public opinion and explain different methods of measuring public opinion.

3. What is Public Opinion? What is an opinion?
What opinion do you have about government policies?
What is Public Opinion?
Public Opinion: the attitudes or opinions of a large group of people about a particular issue or person.
Why is it important?
It is the way our government leaders learn what the people want.

4. Classroom Opinion Scenario
Students who received an A on their test should receive:
A – Free Time During Class
B – A Candy Bar
C – An Ice Cream Sandwich

5. Was their a clear winner? Why do you think this happened?

6. Public Opinion can be Misleading
Public Opinion is usually what the majority of people believe
May have similar views but different justifications
Makes us thing that everyone one has the same view
Americans agree on very few issues
Hard to tell exactly what public opinion is.

7. Classroom Opinion Scenario
The Girls should receive less homework than the boys
1 – Yes
2 - No

8. What influenced your decision?

9. What factors influence your opinions?

10. Factors Affecting Pubic Opinion
Age, gender, income, hobbies, race, religion, occupation, and others.
Example: Raises for teachers
Economic Situation has enormous impact on public opinion

11. Mass Media
Mass Media: new information sources that included, TV, Radio, newspaper, and magazines.
Millions Americans are constantly exposed to Mass Media
Influence public opinion by emphasize certain issues and events.

12. Public Officials
Political leaders and officials have a strong influence over public opinion
Use speeches, press conference, and other mass media outlets to share their opinions
Hope to persuade public to support their position on issues.

13. Interest Groups
Interest Groups: people who share a similar point of view about an issue that work together to promote that point of view
Influence public opinion by making people aware of their issue and changing their attitude
Example: Animal Rights

14. State and National
Do people in Maine have the exact same public agenda as people in California?
NO—state and local issues would be different
Are some issues on the public agenda in both Maine and California?
YES—national and global issues would be the same

15. Public Agenda Would “pass my math test” be on the public agenda?
NO—this is a private or personal “to-do,” not a public one
Is “texting while driving” an issue on the public agenda?
YES—you probably hear people talking about this issue quite often

16. Public Sphere Do all important issues reach the public sphere?
NO—some important issues never make it on the news or get public attention
Could a celebrity’s new haircut be discussed in the public sphere?
YES—it might be shown in magazines or on TV, and people might talk about it

17. Public Sphere
Would a terrorist attack be discussed in the global public sphere?
YES—terrorist attacks affect the whole world
Would there be a public policy about keeping your room clean?
NO—the government is not going to take a stand on your messy room
Can celebrities influence the public sphere?
YES—celebrities can use their fame to bring attention to issues

18. Closure Does public opinion influence public policy?
YES—government policymakers pay attention to public opinion about issues