- Public opinion consists of those views held by ordinary citizens that are openly expressed. Public officials have many means of gauging public opinion but increasingly have relied on public opinion polls to make this determination.
- The process by which individuals acquire their political opinions is called political socialization. This process begins during childhood, when, through family and school, Americans acquire many of their basic political values and beliefs. Socialization continues into adulthood, during which peers, political institutions and leaders, and the news media are major influences.
- Americans' political opinions are shaped by several frames of reference. Four of the most important are ideology, group attachments, partisanship, and political culture. These frames of reference form the basis for political consensus and conflict among the general public.
- Public opinion has an important influence on government but ordinarily does not directly determine what officials will do. Public opinion works primarily to place limits on the choices made by officials.
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
Identify the major factors that influence formation of public opinion. |
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Describe the different survey methods used to measure public opinion. |
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Identify the agents of political socialization and describe their impact. |
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Differentiate between cultural and ideological thinking. |
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Identify what partisan thinking is and what influences it. |
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Describe the influence of public opinion on American policymakers. |
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Identify the essential differences between a liberal and a conservative. |