1. Discussion on Polls
Should we pay attention to polls? Why does public opinion matter (or not)?
What are some ways that polls and the measuring of public opinion can help strengthen democracy?
What are some ways that polls and the measuring of public opinion can weaken democracy?

2. Where can you find polling data?
Pew Research Center
Gallup
FiveThirtyEight
Roper Center
Real Clear Politics

3. Limitations of Polls Agenda may reflect interest of the poll-taker
Set of issues covered may be very different from what’s on the mind of respondents
People’s answers often reflect what they hear from the media or politicians
Surveys don’t necessarily go into depth

4. Washington Post: “Here's how a poll of 1,000 people represents the entire country”
See notes handout with additional info

5. a. Describe the data presented
What does this data show?
b. Describe patterns and trends in data
What trends and patterns can you identify from the data?
c. Explain patterns and trends in data to draw conclusions
What conclusions can you draw by comparing the trends you found in the data?
What is the reasoning behind your conclusion?
d. Explain what the data imply or illustrate about political principles, institutions, processes, policies and behaviors
How does this data relate to a political process?
What could political parties learn from this data that would affect how they operate?
e. Explain possible limitations of the data provided
What does the data not tell you?
f. Explain possible limitations of the visual representation of the data provided
How does the way the data is presented limit its value?

6. Political Participation Discussion Questions
What are some ways that Americans participate in politics?
Do you consider yourself a participant in politics? Why or why not?
Who should participate in politics? Only those who are politically knowledgeable? Everyone?
What are your plans for future political participation?

7. Conventional Participation
Voting
Campaign work
Running for office
Working as a staffer for a politician
Lobbying the government
Donating money to a political cause

8. Unconventional Participation
Protest
Exercising 1st Amendment rights of speech and assembly to draw attention to an issue
Recent examples?
Civil Disobedience
Knowingly breaking a law one believes to be unjust
Ex: Rosa Parks; Lunch Counter Sit-ins
Usually, people turn to unconventional participation when they feel conventional methods are not working.

9. Political Participation
Most Americans don’t participate in most political activities
Where Americans participate most is in voting (still very low)
Participation varies among Americans based on socio-economic characteristics

10. Political Participation (cont.)
Education increases likelihood that one will participate
Higher income
Higher social class
Are these statistics a problem for democracy? Why/why not?

11. The Role of the Media in Democratic Society
Tradition vs. technology
Social media
Media bias
Media ownership
Credibility
Investigative journalism
Horse-race journalism
The media as watch-dog
Gate-keeping (agenda setting)

12. Designer Milton Glaser on Voting
06/milton-glaser-wants-you-to-prove-you-exist
The general election is Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
The deadline to register to vote in time for this election is October 29, 2018.