Everything You Need To Know About Public Opinion To Succeed In AP Gov

Public Opinion What is it? How the public views certain issues, events, people, etc. How is public opinion measured? Via polls, which sample the population

Polls George Gallup began the practice of polling in America (1930s) How are polls administered? They take a sample of the population - as little as 1,000 people **Characteristics of Effective Polls:** 1) Random Sampling - very important to insure accuracy 2) Representative Sample - Random samples should reflect society as a whole (just over 50% female, 13% black, etc.) - 3) Large sample size/low margin of error - around 3% error 4) Wording of the question is unbiased/not leading How would you rate the president’s job performance? vs. Do you agree with most Americans that the president is doing a poor job?

Polls Continued How accurate are polls? It is an estimation, but almost every time, they are accurate within 3% This is known as sampling error Usually, the larger the poll audience, the smaller the margin of error

Polls Continued states 50% of the population approves For example, if a poll states 50% of the population approves of the job I’m doing, it could really be as low as 47%, or high as 53%!

Polls in Government Positives of polls: They can help politicians determine what is important to the public Politicians can stay in touch with constituents Criticisms of polls: Some argue politicians are too influenced by polls Followers, not leaders Polls may create a bandwagon effect Exit Poll - used on election day Candidates are declared winners even though millions on the west coast still have to vote - believed to discourage voting Wording of questions can change the response of individuals

Problems with Polls Example: Polls may create a bandwagon effect

Problems with Polls Positives of polls: They can help politicians determine what is important to the public Politicians can stay in touch with constituents Criticisms of polls: Some argue politicians are too influenced by polls Followers, not leaders Polls may create a bandwagon effect Exit Poll - used on election day Candidates are declared winners even though millions on the west coast still have to vote - believed to discourage voting Wording of questions can change the response of individuals

What do Polls Reveal About Americans? Many Americans have a disconnect with politics Less than 50% can identify their Representative in the House Since the 1970s (Watergate), Americans trust in government has decreased significantly Exception - after 9/11 Many Americans are weary of “big government”

Quick Recap Public Opinion How is it measured? Characteristics of effective polls - all 4 Positives and Negatives of Polls Americans’ beliefs as shown through polls