Ch 9 Public Opinion and the Media 10 14 13 Public opinion Citizens attitudes about political issues personalities institutions and events All Americans hold No one is above the law We are a democratic society Equal rights Origin of Public Opinion Self interest Values o Common values Identities o Race o Gender o Social class Social Origins of Preferences Majority rule Government is best which governs least Equal opportunity principle Political socialization Induction of individuals into political culture learning underlying beliefs and values upon which the political system is based o Information News radio etc What you know o Education How to think o Context o Social pressure o Children tend to absorb political views of parents Family Education Social groups between women and men Political conditions o Gender gap Distinctive pattern of voting behavior reflecting differences in view Political ideology Set of underlying orientations ideas and beliefs through which we come to understand and interpret politics Liberal Supports political social reform extensive government intervention expansion of federal social services more vigorous efforts for poor minorities and women greater concern for consumers and environment Conservative Supports social and economic status quo and is suspicious of efforts to introduce new arrangements large and powerful government poses threat to freedom How are Political Opinions Formed Knowledge and information Government and political leaders Media Private groups Media as an Institution Types of media o Broadcast o Print media o Internet Regulation of media o Broadcast Little detail Repeats what print media says Local news shows soft news Regulated by FCC Telecommunications Act 1966 Loosened restrictions on media ownership Equal time rule Right of rebuttal Fairness Doctrine Broadcasters who air programs on controversial issues provide time for opposing views o Print Near v Minnesota 1931 Print media free from government interference Prior restraint Sources of media power o Agenda setting effect Power to bring attention to particular issues and problems o Priming Process of preparing public to take a particular view of an event or political actor o Framing Power of media to influence how events and issues are interpreted Public Opinions Influence on Government Policy Reasons for lack of consistency o Majority are not as committed to an issue as minorities o Structure of American system System based on popular consent but does not automatically translate
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