INTA 1200 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Sampling Error, Rational Ignorance
23 Sep 2017
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The role of public opinion in a democracy. Explain the role of public opinions in a democracy. Evaluate how well american citizens measure up to notions of an ideal democratic citizen . Identify key factors that influence our individual and collective political opinions. Political socialization: how we learn the rules of the game: political socialization ~ process by which we learn our political orientations and allegiances. Groups: patriotism ~ strong emotional attachment to one"s political community, spiral of silence ~ process by which a majority opinion becomes exaggerated because minorities do not feel comfortable seeking out in opposition. Political and social events: partisan sorting ~ process through which citizens align themselves ideologically with one of the two parties, leaving fewer citizens remaining in the center and increasing party polarization. Age: political generations ~ groups of citizens whose political views have been shaped by the common events of their youth. Describe different techniques used to gauge public opinion.
