Question 1

Most Americans' political judgments are based on latent opinions. What does that mean and what are latent opinions based upon? Provide an example of an issue in which most Americans would base their judgment on a latent opinion.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most Americans' political judgments are based on...

Question 2

By far the most common way of judging public opinion is through the use of mass surveys. What are the main attributes of mass surveys? What are some of their principal strengths and weaknesses when used to understand public opinion? Are mass surveys, on the whole, a reliable way to understand public opinion? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of By far the most common way of...

Question 3

Do Americans tend to trust government? What factors can influence the public's trust in government? Why do some scholars argue that low levels of trust in government can be problematic in a democracy? Do you agree or disagree with these scholars? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do Americans tend to trust government? What...

Question 4

Explain how latent opinions and "considerations" might affect one's views on gay marriage, immigration, health care, or the economy. Give an example of how considerations might explain recent shifts in public opinion on a major issue such as gay marriage.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how latent opinions and "considerations" might...

Question 5

What arguments can be made both in support of and in opposition to the proposition that elected officials should decide public policy matters based on public opinion? Which side makes the more persuasive case and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What arguments can be made both in...

Question 6

Americans' views on public policy are generally characterized by conflict. Explain the public's conflict in three of the following areas-the economy, health care, immigration, gay marriage. Is there potential for compromise on any of these issues? Why or why not? Please provide specific information on these issues to support your argument.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Americans' views on public policy are generally...

Question 7

Imagine that you opened up the newspaper tomorrow and saw a public opinion poll about a major policy issue. What things would you look at to determine the quality of the poll? What would make you find the results more persuasive? What would make you question whether the results were valid?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Imagine that you opened up the newspaper...

Question 8

What does the term "political socialization" mean? What factors tend to have the greatest effect on a person's political attitudes and opinions? Explain why the factors you identified are important.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does the term "political socialization" mean?...

Question 9

Does public opinion influence the output of American government? If so, how? If not, why? Based on your answer to these questions, would you say that the public has too much or too little influence? Please provide examples to support your argument.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Does public opinion influence the output of...

Quiz 6: Public Opinion