Political Beliefs and Behaviors

Public Opinion The public’s attitudes toward a given government policy vary over time. Public opinion places boundaries on allowable types of public policy. Citizens are willing to register opinions on matters outside their expertise. Governments tend to react to public opinion.

The Origins of Political Attitudes Role of the family Schooling & information Ideology Job (Income) Race & ethnicity Religious tradition Gender Region

Political Ideology A coherent and consistent set of beliefs about who ought to rule, what principles rulers ought to obey and what policies rulers ought to pursue. Most citizens display little “ideology”, i.e. liberal, conservative, radical; except for activists.

Political Parties Voluntary associations of people who seek to control the government through common principles based upon peaceful and legal action.

Functions of Political Parties Make policy preferences Set agendas Help select candidates for office Run campaigns Educate the electorate Organize the government One of the access points of special interests and individuals seeking help from the system.

Party Coalitions The Republican Party appeals to rural and suburban dwellers, New Englanders (except Massachusetts), Mid- westerners, Westerners, white collar workers, older voters, WASPs, high income, high educated, the religious right, anti-abortion, conservatives. The Democratic Party appeals to urban dwellers, African Americans, Jews, *Catholics, other minorities, blue- collar workers, union members, lower educated, lower income, intellectuals, gay rights, women, pro-choice. Catholics and Southerners used to be Democrats, but are increasingly Republican.

Structure and Organization of Political Parties National Convention National Committee National Chairperson Congressional campaign Committee State and Local Organization

Elections and Campaigns

Presidential Elections Exploration Announcement/Press Conference Money, Organization, Strategy and Themes Primary Elections and caucuses: closed, open and blanket primaries Nominating Conventions Campaigning and the General Election The Electoral College (270 electoral votes needed to win)

Voting The Rise of the American Electorate 1789 – white, male property owners 1850 – nearly all white adult males 1870 – 15th amendment, all men over 21 1920 – 19th amendment, all men and women over 21 1971 – all men and women over 18

Voter Turnout Americans vote less, but participate more than people in other countries in other forms of political behavior. Younger voters are the least likely to vote. Restrictive laws and the burden of individual registration contribute to low voter turnout. Americans may be happy with the “system” and less likely to feel the need to vote.

The Media Roles of the Media Print – magazines, newspapers Electronic – cable, satellite, network (“free”), radio, internet Mass Media Group Media Social Media Reporting the news Interpreting the news Influencing public opinion Setting the political agenda Socialization Providing a link between citizens and government

Rules Governing the Media The Federal Communications Commission was established in 1934 Rules relating to ownership, equal access air time, libel, slander First Amendment protects freedom of the press The Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated the media “self” censorship

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups – business groups, trade associations, labor groups, agricultural groups, professional groups Groups that promote causes – ACLU, National Right to Life Committee, National Rifle Association, Sierra Club Groups that promote the welfare of certain groups – AARP, NAACP, Christian Coalition Public Interest Groups – League of Women Voters, Common Cause, MADD

Interest Groups Interest groups are private organizations that try to persuade public officials to respond to the shared attitudes of their members Interest groups have been viewed with suspicion James Madison warned against the dangers of “factions” in Federalist # 10 Interest groups raise awareness in public affairs and allow members to achieve a common goal Represent their members Provide information to government

Techniques of Interest Groups Influencing public opinion Propaganda Lobbying Influencing elections – campaigning and contributing money through PACs Litigation