1. Unit 2 Big ideas Public Opinion And Political Action

2. Americans are ignorant when it comes to politics. Public Opinion polls seek to measure public opinion on the issues. The census is used to study the demographic make up of our society. The data used in the census makes policy in the US which makes it a political document. Census data shows great political diversity

3. The census adjusts the seats in the house this is known as reapportionment. Americans are not always comfortable with their immigrant past and present. Simpson-Mazzoli Act required employers to document their workers citizenship. Americans are not politically ideological rather they are issue oriented. Political socialization describes how people learn their political values.

4. The family is the dominant agent of socialization for most Americans. Formal socialization takes place in schools, but most students gather very little information in the class room. The media plays a dominant role today. Informal socialization is the dominant way most American’s learn their political values. Public Opinion polls are tools used by the media and govt. to gather information.

5. Research indicates that our youth does not vote, yet as one gets older voter turnout increases. A public opinion poll is a tool used to measure the range of feelings on an issue or candidate. Polls have multiple strengths and weaknesses. A valid poll requires numerous features. Our poll data illustrates the ignorance of Americans.

6. Numerous events have led to a decline in voter-trust for their government. Liberals and Conservatives differ on the role of government in the individual lives of citizens, business, and policy. Americans are issue oriented not ideologically oriented. Note the ideological differences between Males and Females, races, ethnic classes, religions and other groups.