1. Public Opinion & Political Action

2. The American People: Demographic Trends
What is demography?
What such trends would affect American politics?
Changes in race/ethnicity of population
New minority majority
Changes in age of population
Graying of America
Regional shifts in population
Regional shift to the West and South  Reapportionment

3. The coming minority majority

4. Political Culture
Widely shared beliefs, values and norms concerning relationships of citizens to government / one another
Important Elements of American Political Culture
liberty - preoccupation with rights
equality - equal vote, equal opportunity, equality under the law, but not equal wealth
democracy - politicians accountable to the people
civic duty - serve community
individual responsibility – barring some disability, individuals responsible for own actions and well being

5. Examples of Conflict in American Political Culture
Identify the two elements of American political culture in conflict for each statement.
Example: High School students can pay taxes on their incomes but cannot vote.
Conflict: Civic Duty (pay taxes) is in conflict with Equality (equal vote)

6. Examples of Conflict in American Political Culture
Example: You can’t yell ‘Fire’ in a crowded building.
Conflict:
Example: Citizens must pay income tax every April.
Example: Individuals can vote and register for the Selective Service at 18, but cannot legally drink alcohol until they are 21.
Provide two additional examples of conflicts in the five elements of American political culture.

7. Political Socialization
What do we do when we “socialize?”
How are people affected by those they socialize with?
How would we be affected “politically” by those we socialize with?
Brainstorm possible agents of political socialization.
What factors seem to be the most influential?

8. Political Socialization
Process by which parents and others teach children about values, beliefs and attitudes of political culture
Agents or Influencing Factors of Political Socialization
Family
Religion
Gender
Level of Education
Race and Ethnicity
Region
Community
Social Class
Media
Peer Group
Teachers

9. Identifying Influences of Your Political Socialization
Fill out the handout
Complete the reflection questions
Which agent has the least influence on your decisions and which has the greatest?

10. Political Ideologies
What Americans Value

11. Political Ideology
A consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government.
Liberal / left
Favor active role of government in society
Seek change
Conservative / right
Favor a more limited role of government in society
Want to preserve traditional ways
Exceptions / contradictions

13. Break it down: 41% conservative/21% liberal
Younger people less conservative
Minorities less conservative
Wealthy more conservative
Gender gap
Religious more conservative

14. The Political Spectrum

15. Measuring Public Opinion
Public Opinion Polls
Sample
Small group polled – supposed to be representative
Public opinion polling = people
Random sampling
Sampling error = level of confidence in poll
in sample  + 3 %
Mr. Cashill told me only 900 necessary in sample

16. Poll Positives
Policymakers can keep in touch with voters’ changing opinions on issues
Especially between elections
Thus contributes to democratic process
People can too

17. Poll Negatives Polls only reflect the passive attitudes of voters
Politicians “follow” what is popular rather than “lead”
Probably not true
Create bandwagon effect
People support candidate because perceived as popular
Exit poll can affect outcome of national elections
Bradley effect?
Pollsters can manipulate polls

18. Poll Question Wording Smoking Gun Control
Should people be allowed to smoke cigarettes?
Since cigarettes are dangerous and have deadly side effects such as cancer wouldn't you agree that smoking should be controlled to save the lives of many? 
Gun Control
Do you agree or disagree with this statement: "There is a need for stricter gun laws."
Many people have said that there is a need for stricter laws on dangerous weapons. Do you agree?

19. War with Iraq (January 2003 Pew Research survey)
“Would you favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule”
68% favored military action
25% opposed military action
“Would you favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule even if it meant that U.S. forces might suffer thousands of casualties”
43% favored
48% opposed

20. 2005 Pew Research survey
51% of respondents said they favored “making it legal for doctors to give terminally ill patients the means to end their lives”
44% said they favored “making it legal for doctors to assist terminally ill patients in committing suicide”

21. FRQ
Public opinion polls are a way to link the public with elected officials. Members of Congress often use polls to understand the views of their constituents, but they must also pay attention to other political considerations.
Identify two characteristics of a valid, scientific, public opinion poll.
Explain why each of the following enhances the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress.
Strong public opinion as expressed in polling results
Competitive re-elections
Explain why each of the following limits the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress.
Legislators’ voting records
Party leadership

22. Decline of trust in government

23. Political Participation

25. Types of Political Participation
Voting
Most common for Americans; especially in presidential elections
Protesting
Dramatic and unconventional
Civil disobedience
Contributing
Contacting
Campaigning
Running for office
Joining a political organization
Litigating
Chatting
Why would people choose to do each of these things?