Overview Chapter

This chapter discusses public opinion and its influence on the U.S. political system. A major theme is that public opinion is a powerful and yet inexact force in American politics. The policies of the U.S. government cannot be understood apart from public opinion; at the same time, public opinion is not a precise determinant of public policy. The main points made in this chapter are the following:

• Public opinion consists of those views held by ordinary citizens that are publicly expressed.
• The process by which individuals acquire their political opinions is called political socialization. This process begins during childhood and continues into adulthood.
• Americans' political opinions are shaped by several frames of reference, the most important of which are political culture, ideology, group attachments and partisanship.
• Public opinion has an important influence on government but works primarily to channel and impose limits on the choices made by officials.