POLI 2051 Lecture : 20120223 HLS American Government Section 2 Notes
Document Summary
Why does it matter: there has to be some way for the public to express themselves. Definition: the collected attitudes of citizens on a given issue or question: limited role, because in a democracy, there must be some link between what the public thinks, and what the government does. The nature of that link can vary greatly. It"s the delegate vs. trustee distinction we made earlier. Are ignorant of much that goes on politically. Rely heavily on cues and shortcuts rather than informed issue positions. Elected officials po may influence government decision-making. Academics seek to understand why people behave the way they do. There is also the question of whether the public is capable of governing. Another way to answer this question is to consider who is most interested in po. Where does it come from? aware of politics, learn political facts, and form political values.
