POL 101 Lecture 23: POL101 10.27.14
Document Summary
The role of public opinion in a democracy: why public opinion ought to matter: The government"s legitimacy rests on the idea that gov. exists to serve the interests of its citizens: why public opion does matter. Politicians act as though they believe the public is keeping . Two competeing views of citizenship: the ideal democratic citizen. A virtuous citizen concerned with common problems. Recognizes that democracy carries obligations as well as rights. Need to be informed on politics and current events: the apolitical, self-interested citizen. Four criteria for ideal democratic citizens: political knowledge, ideology, tolerance, participation. Political knowledge: 99% of americans can name the president, 86% can name vp, 33% can name chief justice, 11% can name speaker of house. Ideology: ideas and beliefs about what gov ought to do or not do, the lens through which a citizen views society and gov, transcends political drama of the moments. Tolerance: the willingness to allow minority views.
