Political Beliefs and Behaviors By: Gisselle Robles and Evelyne Velez

Do Now People are more likely to vote for all of the following reasons except if they a. Have a high sense of civic duty b. Have a high sense of political efficacy c. Are able to see policy differences that affect their interests d. Believe that some policies of one party are balanced by other policies of the other party Over the last five decades, according to the American voter, voting based primarily on party identification has a. Completely disappeared b. Declined sharply c. Stayed almost exactly the same d. Increased slightly

Do Now People are more likely to vote for all of the following reasons except if they a. Have a high sense of civic duty b. Have a high sense of political efficacy c. Are able to see policy differences that affect their interests d. Believe that some policies of one party are balanced by other policies of the other party Over the last five decades, according to the American voter, voting based primarily on party identification has a. Completely disappeared b. Declined sharply c. Stayed almost exactly the same d. Increased slightly

Do Now People are more likely to vote for all of the following reasons except if they a. Have a high sense of civic duty b. Have a high sense of political efficacy c. Are able to see policy differences that affect their interests d. Believe that some policies of one party are balanced by other policies of the other party Over the last five decades, according to the American voter, voting based primarily on party identification has a. Completely disappeared b. Declined sharply c. Stayed almost exactly the same d. Increased slightly

Beliefs: Key Terms Political Socialization: Process by which back round traits influence ones political views. Political Ideology: A more or less consistent set of beliefs about what policies government ought to pursue. Political Efficacy: The citizens faith and trust in the government.

Example: Political Socialization

Factors that influence Political Socialization Family – The most important influence given that the majority of young people identify with their parents’ political party. Mass media –Allows Americans to acquire information about issues and political events and develop political identities learning about the differences between candidates and political parties. School - Research has shown that attending college had a big impact on their political attitudes in turn, usually making them more liberal. Religion – Difference in culture make for political differences as well

Two types of Political Ideologies Conservatism Liberalism Favors limited government Greater freedom in the private sector Are more likely to support military spending, free markets, prayer in school, and reduced taxes. Opposes abortion, affirmative action, and government spending on social programs Favors active central government with social and economic responsibilities, Belief in a more equal distribution of wealth, more government regulation of big business, more government spending on social programs, and abortion Opposes increases in defense spending and military actions, prayer in school, and tax breaks for the wealth.

Political Efficacy Americans have a low sense of trust in the government since the 1950s Americans strongly believe in core values such as: legal and political equality, freedom of religion and speech (NOT economic equality) Generally not tolerant with anyone who opposes their beliefs

Behaviors Forms of participation: - Voting - Protesting - Grassroots campaign - Civil disobedience - Join a political party/ interest group - Donate money - Community service *Voter turnout has continued to decline in the past few decades, meanwhile campaign contributions has been on the rise.

BEHAVIORS Obstacles to Participation: - Voters registration - Apathy - Extension of suffrage - Effectiveness of political parties

BEHAVIORS Demographics - Age-> Older voters are more likely to vote, however their participating rates go down as they get older - Education-> The more education the more likely you are to vote and be more politically active - Religion -> Has an affect on which political ideology a person chooses - Race -> African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are the most UNDERREPRESENTED groups of American voters - Gender -> females are more likely to vote - Martial status and union members -> Are more likely to vote

Physiological factors Partisans are more likely to vote than independents, those who have political efficacy (belief that their voting maters), and those who believe it is a good citizens civic duty to vote. Democrats: Have a new, strong collation of voters ( young, Hispanics and other minorities, white upper class professionals). Political Parties: the most important factor in determining how people vote also candidates personalities based on integrities, competene.