goverment2305

Question 1

What is the definition of public opinion?

Answer 1

Public opinion refers to the collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on certain issues or topics.

Public opinion can be measured through surveys and polls.

Question 2

Define push poll.

Answer 2

A push poll is a type of survey that is designed to influence respondents rather than measure their opinions.

Push polls often contain leading questions.

Question 3

Define straw poll.

Answer 3

A straw poll is an unofficial ballot used to gauge public opinion on a particular issue or candidate.

Straw polls are typically not scientifically conducted.

Question 4

Define random sample.

Answer 4

A random sample is a subset of individuals chosen from a larger population where each member has an equal chance of being selected.

This method helps ensure that the sample is representative.

Question 5

Define representative sample.

Answer 5

A representative sample is a small quantity of something that accurately reflects the larger entity from which it is drawn.

This type of sample is crucial for generalizing results.

Question 6

What is political socialization?

Answer 6

Political socialization is the process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values.

Agents of socialization include family, education, peers, and media.

Question 7

What influences party affiliation the most?

Answer 7

Family is the most significant influence on party affiliation.

Other factors include education and socioeconomic status.

Question 8

What is political knowledge?

Answer 8

Political knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness of political processes, issues, and systems.

The American public generally exhibits low to moderate levels of political knowledge.

Question 9

When are presidents most popular with the public?

Answer 9

Presidents are generally most popular shortly after taking office or during times of national crisis.

Question 10

What is a sample in the world of polling?

Answer 10

A sample is a subset of individuals selected from a larger population for the purpose of conducting a poll.

Question 11

What conditions must a survey meet to be generalizable to the entire population?

Answer 11

A survey must use a random sample and have a sufficiently large sample size to be generalizable.

The survey must also minimize biases.

Question 12

What is the margin of error?

Answer 12

The margin of error is a statistic that expresses the amount of random sampling error in a survey’s results.

Question 13

What factors can lead to surveys being inaccurate?

Answer 13

Factors include social desirability bias, question wording, and sample selection bias.

These factors can distort the true opinions of respondents.

Question 14

How does privately owned media make most of their revenues?

Answer 14

Privately owned media typically generates revenue through advertising.

Question 15

What are some problems with media ownership in the United States?

Answer 15

Problems include reduced diversity of viewpoints, media monopolies, and conflict of interest.

This can lead to biased reporting.

Question 16

What is a media monopoly?

Answer 16

A media monopoly is a situation where a single entity controls a significant portion of the media market.

Question 17

Which generations are likely to get their news from which sources?

Answer 17

Younger generations tend to use digital platforms while older generations prefer traditional media sources like newspapers and television.

Question 18

What is misinformation?

Answer 18

Misinformation is false or misleading information spread regardless of intent.

Question 19

What is priming?

Answer 19

Priming is the process by which media influences the standards by which people evaluate political figures or issues.

Question 20

What is agenda setting?

Answer 20

Agenda setting is the media’s ability to influence the importance placed on the topics of the public agenda.

Question 21

What is framing?

Answer 21

Framing is the way media presents information to influence how it is perceived.

Question 22

What is a political party?

Answer 22

A political party is an organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and work to influence government policy.

Question 23

What is an incumbent?

Answer 23

An incumbent is a current officeholder who is seeking reelection.

Question 24

What are the different ways political parties nominate candidates?

Answer 24

Methods include primaries, caucuses, and conventions.

Question 25

What is a proportional representation electoral system?

Answer 25

A proportional representation electoral system is one where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Question 26

What is a first-past-the-post system?

Answer 26

A first-past-the-post system is an electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority.

Question 27

What is a divided government?

Answer 27

A divided government occurs when one party controls the presidency and another controls one or both houses of Congress.

Question 28

How do most Americans participate in politics?

Answer 28

Most Americans participate in politics through voting, campaigning, and engaging in discussions.

Question 29

What is a shadow campaign?

Answer 29

A shadow campaign refers to efforts to influence an election without official candidate involvement.

Question 30

What is socioeconomic status?

Answer 30

Socioeconomic status is an individual's or group's economic and social position in relation to others.

Question 31

What is the role of the electoral college?

Answer 31

The electoral college is a body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Question 32

What is a public interest group?

Answer 32

A public interest group is an organization that advocates for issues affecting the public at large.

Question 33

What is an interest group?

Answer 33

An interest group is an organization of people who share common objectives and actively seek to influence public policy.

Question 34

What is the free rider problem?

Answer 34

The free rider problem occurs when individuals benefit from resources or services without paying for them.

Question 35

What is a common critique of pluralism?

Answer 35

A common critique of pluralism is that it can lead to unequal power dynamics where some groups have more influence than others.

Question 36

What are selective benefits?

Answer 36

Selective benefits are incentives available only to members of a group, designed to encourage participation. ## Footnote Types include material, solidary, and purposive benefits.

Question 37

What are collective goods?

Answer 37

Collective goods are resources or services that are available to all members of a society regardless of individual contribution.

Question 38

What is an iron triangle?

Answer 38

An iron triangle is a stable, mutually beneficial relationship between a government agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.

Question 39

Which types of media are growing in popularity and which are declining?

Answer 39

Digital media is growing in popularity, while traditional media such as newspapers and cable television are declining.

Question 40

What factors predict public opinion?

Answer 40

Factors include demographics, socialization, political events, and media influence.

Question 41

What factors influence public participation?

Answer 41

Factors include education level, socioeconomic status, and political efficacy.

Question 42

How powerful is partisanship in shaping opinion and vote preference?

Answer 42

Partisanship is a powerful influence, often determining opinions and vote preferences across various issues.