ap gov test huge test
labor and unions (what do they support)
- mandated fair wage laws, child labor laws, safety regulations in workplace - socialists (New Deal policies) - democratic party
29. Identify and describe the task of the precinct.
- smallest voting unit (few adjacent neighborhoods) - fundamental building block of party (100000)
web polls vs internet polls
Finally, there are Internet polls. Some polling companies have devised scientific strategies to ensure that the results of Internet polling are legitimate, but they are not to be confused with so-called Web polls that allow anyone to weigh in on a topic.
34. Polls can produce inaccurate results if the people surveyed lack knowledge of the content of the questions asked. On which subjects are people better informed?
personal issues: moral values, drugs, contraceptives, crime, race and women's role in society
11.5 This voting system is more favorable to minor political parties:
proportional representation
15. How can the disenfranchised participate politically?
protest & expression of opinion in other ways (social media)
37. Describe how the political parties provide structure for political conflict within and between branches of the federal and state governments. executive
public face of the parties agenda some work hard to build up party
35. Describe how political parties recruit and support candidates for office in the following ways. broaden citizen's knowledge
public opinion surveys or tracking polls
sample
subset of population
23. List the three ways pollsters contact the people they survey.
telephone polls, in-person interviews and internet polls
ticket splitting
which is voting for candidates on both sides of the ticket
Explain the shock to the political system that caused a political realignment. Identify the new issues and personalities that attracted the realignment. 1860
whig party gradually dissolved and republican party gained strength and won
11. Who had the franchise in the first four decades of the American democracy?
white working class men
3. What is the fundamental goal of both political parties?`
win office in order to influence public policy
57. Explain why third parties are hampered by the single-member-district plurality election system in the United States?
winner take all system (state win by just 1 vote takes all votes)
32. Describe a respondent option technique that allows voters to "take the temperature" of the public.
with simple yes-no your full sentiment on topic isn't captured - rank 1-5 or 1-100
13. While the Constitution forbids a religious test for public office, can states require a religious test for suffrage?
yes
registered voters
people who register, most come
wedge issues
sharply divide the public. The more divisive issues tend to hold a high
44. What question did the Supreme Court consider? Describe the Court's ruling?.
should florida recount ballot?! NO
11.6 Wedge issues have been blamed in part for recent deepening divides. Which are wedge issues?
"Guns, God, and gays" Abortion and contraception Hot-button cultural issues
JEWS
- DEMOCRATS, - roughy 90% vote - privacy - ensuring basic rights of the accused and support charities - LIBERAL - 70% voted for OBAMA
levies
- DOES NOT EXIST AT THE NATIONAL ELVEL - decide tax rates in formal election
recall
- DOES NOT EXIST AT THE NATIONAL ELVEL - elected officials in middle of their elected term
referendum
- DOES NOT EXIST AT THE NATIONAL ELVEL - repeal unpopular law
61. How does each of the following contribute to our perception of political polarization? wedge issues
"guns, god and gays" religious freedom, same sex marriage, abortion and contracpetives
61. How does each of the following contribute to our perception of political polarization?social media
"red states" and "blue states" discussion
38. Historically, political pollsters have found a predictable pattern to gender bias. On which issues are women more liberal and on which issues are they more negative?
+ education, poverty, capital punishment, environment - war, military intervention
business community
- conservative - economic concerns - capitalist principles - less interference, regulation - lower tax and high profit - REPUBLICAN
8. Explain the two primary reasons why the electorate experienced enormous growth from 1820 - 1840?
- US expanded westward - most states abolished property requirements
8. Who is George Gallup and how has he impacted public opinion research?
- an Iowan who is considered the founder of modern day polling - key role in defining issues of concern to the public shaping administrative decisions and helping speed up process of democracy - must take public opinion no matter how short livied
26. Describe how each party apportions delegates to presidential candidates. Democratic Party
- apportioned in proportion to the votes cast in support of each candidate in the same primary or caucus
37. Describe how the political parties provide structure for political conflict within and between branches of the federal and state governments. legislative
- award committee assignments and chairs (or take away)
34. Identify and explain the gender gap. men
- believe in a harder line against accused criminals - more fiscally conservative - tend to vote republican
11. Explain the fatal errors of Literary Digest's 1936 straw poll.sample
- chosen from telephone directories and automobile owners - oversampled middle class and wealthy (underestimated demographics)
" early voting
- citizens can report to their country boards of elections early fill out ballot
17. Read Minor v Happerset (1875), top of page 80. Specifically explain the Court's decision with respect to citizenship and suffrage.
- citizenship= membership - women weren't citizens - failed to show 14th amendment take away state power
42. Describe the political parties linkage function in each of the following. (past AP Exam FRQ question) " Between executive branch and congress
- common basis for cooperation - serves as glue so they can get stuff done
evangelicals
- conservative - republican "Religious right" - televangelists have large followings, big influence - fundamentalists do not believe in human evolution (NOT SCIENCE)
hispanics
- democrats - 50% voter turnout - urban, minority, labor issues - republican desire for stricter immigragion
5. Compare John Jay's description of the American people, which appeared in Federalist No. 2 in 1787, to the present. Did Jay identify any characteristic that continues today?
- descended from same ancestors - speak same language - same religion - same principles government ----------- due to increased immigration and diversity, and acceptance none remains true
17. List the three decisions polling firms make when deciding a poll's methodology.
- determining phrasing of question - selecting the sample from the public - deciding how to go about contacting respondents
50. To what extent has convenience voting increased voter turnout?
- does not help turnout - half state offered election day registration experienced decrease in tournout
PRO - Those who favor Internet Voting
- easier - lower cost of holding it - no excused ( bad weather, long lines) - increase participation in youth
The Modern Era
- elections and social services changed - candidate- centered politics
1. List some ways that religion has impacted public policies. (like what do certain religions believe/ what type of public policies do they support)
- evangelical christians and roman catholics provide aid to parochial schools - jewish americans in favor aid Israel - Muslim americans support for Palestinian state - Roman Catholics, Orthodox Jews, Mormons, Evangelical Christians think abortion should be illegal
The National Convention
- every four years - delegates - superdelegates
45. Explain why Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and explain the requirements that the federal government placed on states.
- everyone must upgrade to electronic system - accesible to handicapped - enacted after Florida shenanigans in 2000 election, and it was so everyone would upgrade their voting equipment
49. What evidence can you offer to support or challenge the textbook's claim of how age determines party affiliation?
- experienced similar events while forming party identification - i am liberal and along with all my friends
1. Why do citizens organize special interest groups such and NOW and NAACP?
- express their views on matters of concern to them and to call attention to those concerns in media
31. Many of the polls conducted in Rust Belt state in the 2016 Presidential Election predicted a Clinton victory because they had sampling errors. Describe typical sampling errors.
- fails to sample certain population - underrepresent poor and homeless
African Americans
- few used to vote because of intimidating, after voting Rights Act=60% - support welfare and increased federal arid, domestic/ international -DEMOCRATS
12. Explain how the Gallop Organization expanded the scope of polling in the 1940s?
- figured out how to count readership of newspapers - able to predict candidate
43. Explain the ballot controversy in the 2000 election.
- florid vote v close - punch card ballot - Al Gore called for recount, but SCOTUS ruled no - Bush received 537 more popular votes - won 271 electora was but Fore won 1/2 million votes worldwide
31. Describe the primary tasks of the state central committee.
- free to act within limits by state legislature - registration, engaging people in politics
Initiative
- gather signatures of registered voters to place PROPOSAL ON BALLOT - this can create law - DOES NOT EXIST AT THE NATIONAL ELVEL
20. Describe a random sample and explain why it is not useful for predicting voter behavior.
- give each person in a group the same chance of being selected - may under sample or oversample key populations not likely to vote
Describe how each suppressed the black vote. How was the practice stopped. grandfather test
- grandpas were slavs - GUinn v US
16. Why might President Trump hire a firm to conduct public opinion polls?
- help gauge how effective particular ads are or how ell - how public perceives the candidate - create favorable legislative environment + pass presidential agenda, win reelection & judged favorbly
Describe how each suppressed the black vote. How was the practice stopped. literacy test
- illiterate - VOTING RIGHTS ACT
1. How do we know what "the people" want from their government?
- increasing ability to collect representative data on aggregate public opinion
14. Explain three significant reasons why party loyalty and strength diminished from 1900 - post WW II era?
- intrest groups - candidate centered politics - candidates getting endorsed government slowly took over important functions such as printing ballots, conducting elections and providing social welfare services
DNC and RNC role
- make arrangements for national convention - coordinate the following presidential campaigns
6. The Framers enumerated specific electoral powers to the Congress. Describe them.
- make or alter regulations - each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns + qualifications of its own members
16. Describe three reasons why the demographic shift from rural to suburban weakened political parties?
- millions moved to city for privacy and detachment - population growth - legislative district ( can't shake everyone's hand)
advantages of in-person interviews
- monitor respondents body language - more personal= higher rate completion
25. Why might a candidate hire tracking polls six months before the election.
- monitor short-term campaign developments + effects of their campaign strategies
Off the Line Ideology libertarians
- most are independents oppose government intervention or regulation Have a high regard for the Bill of Rights Oppose censorship Want low taxes Dislike government imposed morality Libertarian-minded: conservative on fiscal and economic issues and are liberal on moral and social issues.
35. Describe how political parties recruit and support candidates for office in the following ways. registration
- motor voter ( redo renew license registration) - each state decides qualifying elector ( organize and administer) 30 days prior to election
38. Explain why senior citizens had a 72% voter turnout in 2012.
- much experience and understanding of political process - developed regular voting habits and have more at stake - handles social security, medicare, tax, inheritance law, vets benefits, and host of other issues important to seniors
The National Party
- national chairperson - national committee
32. Identify supportive interest groups who provide political parties with "foot soldiers."
- national federation of democratic/ republican women - college democrats of America/ College Republican National Party - Young Democrats of America/ Youth Republican National committee - Democratic/ Republican Governors Association
30. Describe margin of error and explain why all polls have them.
- natural error in statistical measurement - accuracy (measure) of public opinion poll 4%
16. Why did modern political parties develop when states granted universal white man suffrage?
- no property requirement - there was a need to organize a way to connect leaders because they were more leaders
24. Describe the primary tasks of the national convention.
- nominate president and vice president candidates - ultimate governing body (create rules)
33. List the characteristics of citizens who participate in elections.
- older better educated wealthier voters show up to vote in higher numbers - activists, people who attend church, military vets, members of civil organisations
34. Identify and explain the gender gap. women
- oppose harsh punishments like the death penalty - favor government spending on welfare - less war-prone
21. Explain why the Voting Rights Act of 1965 succeeded in increasing African American political participation? Bullet point provisions of the law including preclearance provision.
- outlawed literacy test/ any test - pre clearance provision, if states attempted to create new loopholes to diminish blacks suffrage, fed could stop
catholics
- papal decrees in Rome - anti-immigration and anti catholic sentiment in antebellum period - democrats - bc criticized know nothing's call for religious test "spirit of tolerance" - to not support abortion or birth control -REPUBLICAN -gave birth to nothing or American Party -
28. What is the role and purpose of the superdelegate at the Democratic Party Convention?
- party official - may support whichever candidate they choose - maintain some level control over selection process
Tactics used to Suppress the Vote political machines
- pay large sum - local ward bosses directed their thugs to intimidate voters
18. Explain a push polls and give an example that clarifies the concept.
- polls taken for the purpose of providing information on an opponent that would lead respondents to vote against that candidate ex. if you knew candidate beat his wife, would you still vote for him
24. What effect did the Twenty-Sixth Amendment have on the 1972 presidential election?
- predicted new voting bloc would help democrat McGovern antiwar win - only 42% young voters voted - Nixon won reelection landslide
supportive interest groups
- provide money and labor - such as labor unions, chambers of commerce
41. Explain the goals and key provisions of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), aka "Motor Voter Law."
- register at state run agencies - national standards - enforcement of voter registration - election day registration - mail registration - government agency based registration
what do baby boomers think of medicare and taxes?
- resit all efforts to limit medicare or social security - defeat income tax, school tax & pass tax breaks for themselves
abortion democratic party platform
- right to choose
28. Describe the two main types of Internet polls and explain which is more effective at predicting outcomes.
- scientific internet survey (3000 rep volunteers) - unscientific web polls- allows anyone to weigh in, similar to straw polls ineffective because people CHOOSE SAMPLE
CON- Those who oppose Internet Voting
- security - favor certain socioeconomic class - quality of internet access - alienate Americans from public participation
11. Explain the fatal errors of Literary Digest's 1936 straw poll. timing
- september - didn't see how sentiment changed
Describe how each suppressed the black vote. How was the practice stopped. poll tax
- simple fee to vote= didn't have money - 24th amendment
9. What caused the development of the second American political party system?
- slavery - antislavery activists formed Republican Party (abolition)
48. Explain the provisions and criticisms of Military and Overseas Empowerment Act.
- states send out absentee ballots to members of the military and those living abroad 45 days in advance + electronic option - the threat of election security outweighs the convenience of the process
29. List the reasons public opinion polls may produce inaccurate results.
- survey error - limited respondent options - lack of info - difficulty measuring intensity - lack of interest
36. Explain why younger voter were less active politically from 1972 - 2004.
- undeveloped views of candidates - lack of strong views on issues - lack of full understanding of politics and mobility
disadvantages of in-person interviews
- unintended influence of the questioner - interview bias - dressed, relates, asks= affects responses
26. Explain how the state registration process was intended end repeat voting.
- verify voter's qualifications and assign a voter to one particular polling place to prevent repeating
asian americans
- very conservative, fewer regulations on business and ethical beliefs - concern civil liberties and equal protection -73% voted for obama
no-excuse absentee voting
- vote early if out of town on business, vacation, or residing in different state (college student)
5. The Framers explicitly delegated two electoral tasks to the states. Describe them.
- who is qualified to vote - management of elections (time/place/ who votes)
2. How can citizens use their First Amendment freedoms to influence politicians? List at least 7 actions.
- write letters to the editor to express feelings on issue - donate to political cause, party or candidate - public officials via email/telephone - town hall meeting (express) - run for office
36. What portion of national party platforms are implemented?
-2/3 of promises in victorious party's presidential platform - 1/2 pledges of losing party
21. Describe how stratified sampling is used to create primary sampling units.
-based on US census data- # of residents in an area and their location - divide several sampling regions- select subgroups in proportion to total US population
Tactics used to Inflate the Vote political machines
-free alcohol, payment, job threat - large groups vote multiple times
29. Explain how the Australian ballot defeated voter intimidation and suppression by political machines. (4)
1) printed and distributed at public expense 2) must show all candidates names 3) only available at polling places 4) completed in private
4. Describe the key differentiation factor between political parties and interest groups?
1. An interest group is an organization of people with similar policy goals that tries to influence the political process to try to achieve those goals. In so doing, interest groups try to influence every branch and every level of government. 2. This multiplicity of policy arenas helps distinguish interest groups from political parties. 3. Interest groups may support candidates for office, but American interest groups do not run their own slate of candidates. By contrast, interest groups in many countries with multiparty systems often form their own political parties to push for their demands. 4. Interest groups are often policy specialists, whereas parties are policy generalists. 5. Unlike political parties, interest groups do not face the constraint imposed by trying to appeal to everyone.
2. Concisely list how both political parties get their candidates elected.
1. conventions serve as a venue to formally nominate parties candidates for president 2. engage the party faithful 3. energize for the national campaign 4. increase voter interest
5. List the three separate, unrelated entities of a political party organization.
1. office holders who organize themselves and pursue policy objectives under party label 2. workers and activists who make up the party's formal organization structure 3. the voters who consider themselves allied or associated with the party
27. Describe the demographic characteristics of the delegates to each convention in 2012. republican party
13% racial and ethnic minority
Amendments Increasing Suffrage
15th 19th 23rd - Presidential (VP) elections...the District shall appoint electors equal to the same number of the least populous state 24th - not deny vote for failure to pay poll tax 26th - not deny vote on account of age ...eighteen years of age or older
19. Explain whom the Twenty-Sixth Amendment enfranchised.
18 year olds
Political parties came closer to becoming permanent fixtures during the what election
1800 presidential election battle between Democratic-Republican nominee Thomas Jefferson and Federalist-backed John Adams for the presidency. But even then, parties were thought to be a means to an end, not an entity unto themselves.
Liberty/Free Soil
1840- abolish slaver
prohibition year and what it did
1880, prohibition alcohol
populists
1892- agragarian revolt
Progressive/Bull Moose
1912 factionalism in GOP gave Theodore Roosevelt platform to run for presidency
libertarian
1917, opposes government intervention
Dixiecrats - Splinter
1948 Truman and Humphrey led pro civil rights faction of Democratic Party 1948 States Rights Party - Strom Thurmond - carried electoral votes of 4 states 1968 American Independent Party - Congress and SCOTUS too far in dictating new rules of racial equality - electoral votes of 5 states 1980 - Realigned into Republican Party
dixiecrats
1948 southern state's rights
48. Explain how race and ethnicity is an indicator of party identification for each group. " Mexican Americans
2/3 democrat
48. Explain how race and ethnicity is an indicator of party identification for each group. " African Americans
25% democratic party 3X whites
Despite the Perceived Polarization
40 - 50% of Americans are MODERATES 30% are Conservatives 20% are Liberals Polls that ask if voters are moderate, liberal, conservative get very different answers if they ask if respondents are Democrat, Republican or Independent
27. Describe the demographic characteristics of the delegates to each convention in 2012. democratic party
40% minority 50% women
4. What is the percentage of voter turnout today?
61.4% in 2016
Random Sample
=Every person in the universe (group in question) has an equal chance of selection Surveys that require the respondent to go to the survey—reporter on the street asking questions-are self-selected and not a cross section of the universe. Random-digit dialing - a computer randomly calls possible numbers in a given area until enough people respond to establish a sample. The pollster stratifies the sample to reflect the universe demographics. If sample requires 25% women, and it has 30%, some will be cut.
convention
A national meeting of delegates elected in primaries, caucuses, or state conventions who assemble once every four years to nominate candidates for president and vice president, ratify the party platform, elect officers, and adopt rules. ... A party committee in Congress that provides funds to members and would-be members.
The Sample: Who is polled?
A properly collected sample of citizens is reliably reflective of the group in question, known as the universe. The national standard for a large enough standard is 1,500. Random sample: every member of the universe must have an equal chance of selection Stratification: the demographics of the sample must be reflective the universe
14th Amendment - Citizenship Clause supreme court
All persons born or naturalized in the United States...are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States. The Court interpreted the meaning of this clause in Minor v Happerset (1875)
19th Century: Jeffersonian liberal government did little to-
Allow citizens freedom, free flow of ideas, free markets, fewer laws, fewer restrictions
32. Why does the United States have so many more elections than European nations?
American citizens vote several times per year - every 2 years federal elections (primary, general) - governor and state legislatures offices occur odd time
off the line ideology- populists
Attend a protestant church, follow fundamentalist Christian ideas: "love thy neighbor;" contribute to charity; follow a strict moral code; maybe creationist (anti-evolution) Working class families in South and Midwest Regulate corporations, higher minimum wage; solid welfare system
Conservative Ideology
Believe in following tradition Reverence for authority Government should do less; allow citizens more freedom; Less economic regulation More responsibility on citizenry Fiscal conservatives - less taxation, less government spending
Issues with strong feelings, such as:
Big government Death penalty Support for the war on terrorism
Increase in Voter Turnout
Candidate Obama, the first racial minority to receive a major party's nomination for president, garnered much attention in the 2008 and 2012 races and raised black turnout Get-out-the-vote-drives targeted at particular neighborhoods and communities might raise awareness
Party Stability
Characterized by the dominance of party organizations Era from end of Reconstruction until reforms of the Progressive Era
Consequences of Polarization
Congress Least productive in history Lack of moderates, lower incentive to compromise Consequences to electorate Forcing moderate electorate to choose between extremes may increase voter apathy
Congressional Acts impact Electorate
Congress gave federal gov't oversight over states using devices to deter black voting 1957 Civil Rights Act - First bill since Reconstruction to address discrimination in voter registration Federal government granted U.S. Justice Department the power to intervene in federal elections to enforce voting rights for African Americans- guaranteed in the Fifteenth Amendments, states may not deny right to vote "on account of race"
National Voter Registration Act-Motor Voter law
Congress set national standards Registration is easier, by mail or at state gov't agencies, such as BMV, public libraries Ensures accurate voter rolls: require states remove voters with mental incapacity, felons, death, relocate right to vote trumps bureaucratic technicalities of becoming a voter
In the 1960s and 1970s conservatives ...
Conservatives now include those who oppose abortion and gay marriage, and support prayer in school These conservatives desire more regulation Those who want more regulations to protect consumers, gun control and regulation that encourages diversity, call themselves Liberal Jefferson would consider neither group liberal
The national committee primary role (2)
Coordinates national convention and presidential campaign
Single Issue Parties
Created to advance a particular public policy or solve one political concern Anti-Masonic - anti-elitism Free Soil Party - No slavery in western lands American Party aka Know Nothing Party - Anti-immigrant - Irish immigrants Prohibition - 18th amendment Green Party - Environmental protection Gun control of assault weapons?
18. Explain whom Twenty-Third Amendment enfranchised.
DC
Ideology
Definition: Comprehensive and mutually consistent set of ideas Most Americans are Moderates Many are more liberal on some issues and more conservative on others
Limits of Minor Parties
Division of public opinion are dichotomies - for or against higher taxes, abortion, gun control, minimum wage increase—simplifies debate and forces electorate into 2 camps Institutional Blocks - Single Member Districts- the candidate who wins the most votes or a plurality wins the office. In other nations, proportional representation exists-if a party wins 30%, the are awarded 30% of the seats DNC and RNC have full time staffs to raise campaign funds and gain ballot access Ballot access requires petitions of voter signatures in each state Major parties try to keep minor parties off ballot Media tend to ignore minor parties for campaign coverage, debates and public forums
party realignments
Dramatic shifts in partisan preference that drastically alter the political landscape Existing party affiliations subject to upheaval
How does a political reporter benefit from polling data and analysis?
Evidence for how the public feels about an issue Assess how a candidate is doing in a political race Assess how the public views the Congress or the president, aka approval ratings To better understand how the public thinks and what causes voters to act in certain ways To predict elections outcomes
Democratic presidential party still deeply rooted
FDR's New Deal and Johnson's Great Society. Second, the Democrats maintained the Dixiecrat-influenced southern wing of the party in Congress that largely disappeared with Reagan's election in 1980. Republican have divided into the eastern establishment of northern internationalist who questioned the New Deal but don't wholly oppose it, and the suburban station wagon set dominated by working middle-class whites that were staunchly anticommunist.
The American National Election Studies
Focuses on attitudes of the electorate -How voters voted -Party affiliation -Opinions of parties and candidates -Surveys before and after mid-term and presidential elections
delegates
Formerly selected by party leaders, now often elected in primary elections and caucuses
Causes of Polarization
Geographic divide "The United States of Canada" to the north "Jesusland" to the south Stereotypes of political identifiers Republicans as NASCAR Democrats as Starbucks Wedge issues "Guns, God, and gays" Abortion, gay marriage
Group Affiliations
Geography Gender Race and ethnicity Age Social and economic factors Religion Marital status
who was the first to use scientific polling methods to determine public opinion
George Gallup was the first to use scientific polling methods to determine public opinion.
Survey Questions
Goal: word questions so as not to skew results. Word objectively, avoid emotionally charged Skewed results makes the poll invalid Close-end questions require multiple choice answer or yes/no - allow for conclusive results Order of questions impact results
Progressive
Government corruption runs counter to values of equality, individualism, democracy and advancement Criticized concentration of power in business and government Worker's rights over corporate rights Wealthy should pay higher percentage of taxes
Which political party do Hispanics support?
Hispanic voters increasingly support Democratic candidates, although this may vary with an individual's country of origin. Here, a Hispanic delegate to the Democratic National Convention shows her support for President Barack Obama.
Authentic Respondents should be likely voters
How the interviewer contacts and interacts with respondent and how the respondent views the interviewer can have an impact on the poll. People are honest, frank with the anonymity of a mailed questionnaire. With a live telephone call women and men answer differently to male or female callers.
34. To help your remember the political affiliation of significant think tanks, organized each under the political party supported by each one. republican party
Hudson Institute, American Enterprise Institute Heritage Foundation Libertarian Cato Institute
1965 voting rights act
Impact of federal oversight of state registration led to a significant increase in African Americans voting in federal elections. In 1967, voter turnout of blacks in six southern states increased from 30% to more than 50% Turnout in presidential elections has risen gradually from 53% in 1996 to more than 66% in 2012
secular realignments
More gradual shifts in party coalitions
Assess the Credibility of a Public Opinion Poll
Is the source current? The timing of the poll can have a drastic affect on the outcome. Avoid out of date information? Is the author an established authority in the field? Is the source free from obvious bias? Can you verify the information in other sources? Evaluate the methodology of the study when assessing the poll results and other collected data
7. What caused the demise of the Federalist Party?
James Monroe's presidency from 1817 to 1825 produced so-called Era of Good Feelings - part competition nonexistant
who supported greater state authority in the election of 1796
John Adams
Help American Vote Act
Make voting clearer, easier, insure voter intent Federal funds to help states purchase reliable, updated electronic machines Requires accommodation for disabled, blind Allows voter to review and change mistakes Prevent fraud by requiring drivers license of last four digits of social security number Guarantees military personnel full access to ballot
critical elections
May polarize voters around new issues or personalities
Progressive Ballot Reforms Most States NOT Federal
Measures allowing citizens to change the state's law or officeholders with state elections. Referendum - citizens can support or repeal an action by the state legislature Initiative - citizens create a law, such a legalizing marijuana Recall - remove an elected official from office in the middle of their elected term
National Party Platform
Most visible instrument used to formulate, convey, and promote public policy Each party develops a lengthy platform outlining its positions. About two-thirds of the winning party's platform tends to be enacted. About one-half of the losing party's platform tends to be enacted.
Economic Protest Minor Party
Movements that sought to restructure Americans economic situation Populist - inflation, regulate RR, debt relief- 1892 H. Ross Perot - United We Stand 1992 and 1996 Protest outsourcing and called for a Balanced Budget to reduce the national debt Won 20% of the popular vote. The effect: both major parties worked on reducing the deficit
Minor v Happerset (1875)
National Women's Suffrage Association (NWSA) argued the Fourteenth Amendment intended to take away from the states the right to define voting qualifications. SCOTUS ruled that citizenship conferred "membership of the nation and nothing more." States would still define suffrage a provided in Article I of the Constitution. For NWSA, women would get the vote by lobbying state legislatures or constitutional amendment.
Current Registration and Ballot Rules
No state can require registration beyond 30 days Absentee ballot- if voters cannot make it to the polls, they can mail a completed ballot, some states require a reason, others don't Voting early in person is permitted in many states
How does a Supreme Court justice benefit from polling data and analysis?
Nomination and confirmation process - Ideology of President's electoral coalition; Ideology of Senators' electoral coalition; prepare for Litmus Test questions by Senate Judiciary Committee Selecting cases to hear - may avoid or choose: cases involving controversial executive orders or laws; divergent rulings by state courts on cases with similar fact patterns Overturn precedents - changing societal values; numerous and diverse amicus curiae briefs
Phenomenon Affecting Polls
Nonattitudes = people do not have string opinions on the issues of the day because they are uninformed or concerned about privacy. Pollsters offer a "I don't know" response, 25% of respondents select it Frequency of uninformed citizens responding Pollsters ask screening questions to establish respondent's knowledge. e.g. 90% or respondents say they vote (see next slide)
Other Polling Problems
Not all pollsters are an objective journalist or academic Fund raisers, political parties, candidates have cheapened polling's reputation Push Polling via telephone - ulterior motives Tape-recorded voice offers positive points about a candidate or negative points about the opponent. May end the call request to vote or not for a candidate on election day. Internet polling - respondents are self-selected and motivated to participate Some polls do not limit the number of responses Internet users tend to be younger, white, suburban, better educated, more affluent and NOT a representative cross section of American society
The national chairperson
Often selected by president or newly nominated presidential candidate Chief fundraiser and spokesperson
Ideological Minor Parties
One that follows a prescribed philosophy of government that is much different than major parties - Socialist Party - economic equality, cradle to the grave social programs, state funded education including higher education Libertarian Party -oppose government intervention or regulation; high regard for bill of rights, low taxes, dislike government imposed morality e.g. legalize marijuana, gambling
Political Machines
Organizations that use tangible incentives such as jobs and favors to win loyalty among voters Provided upward social mobility
46. Define swing states and offer a substantive example.
closely contested between the parties - mid-atlantic, rust belt, southwest
Party role
Parties are the glue that holds elements of government and political structure together Link together branches of government One more means of accountability
11.3 The political parties have great influence in Congress because:
Parties arrange for the selection of congressional leaders.
Parties in Congress
Party members in Congress select congressional leaders. Those congressional leaders hold enormous power.
Party Identification
Political Socialization Group Affiliations
Cues from Leaders or Opinion Makers
Political leaders use media to influence public. President uses media as a "bully pulpit."
Jacksonian Democracy, 1824-1860
Political party influence Decreased at the national level Increased at the state level due to expansion of the electorate Whigs and Democrats Gave the United States the first broadly-supported two-party system in the Western World Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party attracted most of the new voters, and he was the first tenant of the White House to be chosen by a truly national, popularly based political party. Jackson's Democrats, and the Whigs who coalesced in their opposition to Jackson, strengthened and gave the United States the first broadly-supported two-party system in the Western world.
To Increase in Voter Turnout
Politicians and parties have tried to target ethnic groups in search of their support and have brought great numbers in to the political process More members of minority communities have become candidates for office and successful officeholders, thus sparking an increasing interest among these groups
11.2 These people act as the "foot soldiers" of the party.
Precinct committee members
Internet Voting PRO/CON
Pro - Easier to cast ballots; lower cost of holding elections; inclement weather and transportation would have little impact on turnout; College students turnout might increase; no need to request an absentee ballot. Con- security, hacking results; "digital divide" favor white, wealthy, well educated, male; alienate Americans from face to face public engagement
Australian Ballot (1892)
Progressive Era Reform to undermine corrupt political machines in urban areas Ballot is printed and distributed at public expense Must show all candidates names Available only at polling places Completed at the polls in private
Barriers to Minor-Party Success
Proportional representation Apportions legislative seats according to percentage of votes a party receives Winner-take-all system Party that receives at least one more vote wins the election
which type of poll is designed to give a skewed result?
Push polls are intended to give some negative information about a candidate's opponent to push people away from voting for the opponent and toward the other candidate.
Methodology
Questionnaire: Properly worded Properly ordered Representative Sample: Correctly interview respondents Analyze data appropriately Draw correct conclusions
Running Candidates for Office
Raising money Well-developed networks of donors Raise money and disseminate it to candidates Mobilizing support and getting out the vote Public opinion polls and tracking surveys Create TV advertisements "Get out the vote" Election Day activities
37. Which demographic characteristics are political pollsters most interested in?
gender race ethnicity age religion
State and Local Parties
Roots of the party Virtually all government regulation of political parties is handled by the states. Vast majority of party leadership positions are held at state and local level. Precinct Smallest voting unit Fundamental building block of the party State executive committee
leader that supported greater state authority
Rufus King
Activities of American Political Parties
Running Candidates for Office Formulating and Promoting Policy Organizing Government Furthering Unity, Linkage, and Accountability
Smith v Allwright 1944
SCOTUS outlawed white primary in the South where the Democratic party dominated politics. For all intents and purposes the election winner was determined in the Spring primary when Democrats competed for the nomination. SCOTUS ruled the white primary which prevented African American participation denied the intent of the Fifteenth Amendment, the right to vote cannot be denied on account of race
Guinn v United States 1915
SCOTUS ruled grandfather clause unconstitutional and thus removed one barrier to voting for American Americans. Grandfather clauses, enacted by seven Southern states, provided that those who had enjoyed the right to vote prior to 1866 or 1867, or their lineal descendants, would be exempt from educational, property, or tax requirements and granted the right to vote.
columbia v heller
SCOTUS ruled that the second amendment protected an individual's right to own a firearm for personal use in Washington DC
candidate centered politics
Shift to focus on candidates, their issues, and character rather than on party affiliation
Minor Parties (3rd Parties)
Since Lincoln's Republican Party, no minor party has sent a president to the White House Populist and Progressive Parties have sent member to Congress and State Legislatures Prohibition Party has amended the Constitution United We Stand forced two main parties to adopt public policy (balanced budget)
Impact of Minor Parties
Spoiler - split the vote and greatly influence the election by causing the major party candidate with a closer ideology to lose - and the opposing major party to win as in 2000, 1968, 1912 elections. This can change the national direction Force Major parties reconsider and adopt policy positions to attract supporter Pushing for Amendments to Constitutions
republican income
lower
Dunn v Blumenstein 1972
Tennessee argued their registration requirement that mandated a one-year minimum residency was necessary to prevent fraud or manage elections. SCOTUS disagreed and ruled the requirement was a fundamental denial of equal protection guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment. Newer residents of the state should have the right to register and vote, because there's no compelling state reason to have a one-year requirement.
Roots of the Two-Party System
The Democratic Party held the first national presidential convention in 1832, and the Whig Party formed to oppose President Andrew Jackson. Eventually, the Whig Party dissolved and was replaced by the Republican Party. From 1860 until today, these two parties—Democratic and Republican—have formed what has become our two-party system.
The Organization of American Political Parties
The National Party The National Convention State and Local Parties Informal Groups
3. Define and explain the significance of the electorate in American society.
a large percentage Americans- the voters - cast vote for president + lower offices
Margin of Error
The only way to know what the universe thinks is to ask everyone and hope they are entirely honest--impossible Margin of error and sample size have an inverse relationship. As the sample gets larger, the margin of error decreases. Sampling error is determined conducting the same poll in two similar samples. If 55% of first sample opposed a bill and 58% of the second sample favored it, the sampling error is 3%. A margin of error of plus or minus 4% is usually considered satisfactory.
who supported a strong central government in the Election of 1796
Thomas Jefferson
How does a politician benefit from polling data and analysis?
To measure public opinion is to assess the congruence of party policy and the views of party members To shape an election campaign, i.e. what will motivate voters to support the candidate To report to campaign donors ($) in soliciting additional political contributions To determine how to vote on a bill or for Senators, a presidential nominee
41. In the past week, the associated press reported that when the fifty states are ranked by the quality of their public services and public schools, Florida was among the lowest. Can you suggest what accounts for this low ranking?
a lot of elderly people don't support tax increases
56. Why do major parties adopt or co-opt issues that gave rise to the third party?
able to secure the allegiance of the minority candidate's supporters
education democrat
advanced degrees
14. List those who the states denied suffrage prior to the 15th, 19th, and 24th amendments.
african americans, women, poll taxes + property requirement
strong central government the geographical region
agrarian south
Splinter Parties
aka Bolter (as in bolt the national convention) Factional - Broke off from a larger existing party due to an ideology differing from party leaders Liberal Republicans (Congress Too harsh on South during Reconstruction) Bull Moose Party aka Progressive Party - TR Party's issues included trust busting and environmental conservation
leader that supported strong central government
alexander hamilton
superdelegates
allow democratic party some control - Democratic Party officials whose vote at the convention is unpledged to a candidate.
26. Describe how each party apportions delegates to presidential candidates. Republican Party
allow state to choose - winner take all or proportionment
59. Why has bipartisanship declined in American politics?
american public and fixation on party membership and loyalty, lifestyle enclaves
Dixiecrat
any of the Southern Democrats who seceded from the party in 1948 in opposition to its policy of extending civil rights.
" Party identification
anyone who identifies with a party whether actively or casually will likely vote for candidates from that party
Proportional representation
apportions legislative seats according to the percentage of votes a party receives.
valence issues
are viewed the same way by people with a variety of ideologies Most American agree that government should Regulate dangerous industries Educate children at public expense Protect free speech Facilitate a strong economy Secure the nation from external threats
Elections and social services changes
ballot printing, other elections duties handled by government instead of parties Roosevelt's New Deal put social services in hands of government, not parties.
13. Explain why it is rational for the federal government to fund American National Election Studies (ANES).
bc want to support public ANES conducts research of: - political attitudes - behavior of electorate - respondents voted, party affiliation and interest in politics - before, after midterm + election = same questions - longterm studies of electorate
58. Why would a proportional representation system give third parties a greater chance of winning elections?
because could accumulate votes whereas probs NEVER win majority
54. Why did the civil rights movement started by the NAACP not evolve into a political party?
black voters in areas where segregation had the most significant impact were largely denied the franchise and couldn't have voted for potential party candidates
35. Describe how political parties recruit and support candidates for office in the following ways. media
both parties design media advertisement for candidates
42. Describe the political parties linkage function in each of the following. (past AP Exam FRQ question) " Between Senate and House of Representatives
brings members into the department heads
10. Compare a caucus to a convention and explain why one method is more democratic than the other.
caucus- small undemocratic convention- opposite
42. Describe the political parties linkage function in each of the following. (past AP Exam FRQ question) Between voter and candidate and officeholder
citizen identifies with party, makes it easy to participate ,motivate to get out and vote (politically active)
25. How are delegates to party conventions selected?
citizens participating in primary elections and grassroots caucuses
geographic region with greater state authority
commercial New England
Data gathered from the poll must be analyzed for meaning. This step reveals the...
conclusions of the data for public policy or for political campaigns. The data are crunched by computers, which may further break down the information by subgroups. This allows campaigns to see how their candidate is faring among women versus men, or in a certain age group.
27. The most accurate polls taking during the 2016 Presidential Election were exit polls. Explain the methodology of an exit poll.
conducted as voters leave polling places on election day (every tenth vote)
61. How does each of the following contribute to our perception of political polarization? " 24-hour cable news programs
constantly need to sell a story to fill the voluminous air and attract views in a market driven my media time environemt
same sex marriage republican
constitutional amendment to ban it
35. Describe how political parties recruit and support candidates for office in the following ways. volunteers
contact voters by phone and personal visit
Ward
countries and cities subdivided
61. How does each of the following contribute to our perception of political polarization? microtargetting
created stereotypes of party identifiers
democratic party platform defense
cut defense spending
47. Why does a gender gap continue to persist?
democratic party's inability to attract votes of men
ratification of Constitution (people who supported greater state authority)
democratic- Republican
36. Describe the agents of political socialization.
demographic characteristics, family, school, peers, mass media, political readers
60. Define party sorting and explain how it might account for the decline of "political moderates."
develop clear issue positions that more efficiently and effectively cue the electorate to identify with particular label
Explain the shock to the political system that caused a political realignment. Identify the new issues and personalities that attracted the realignment. 1980
dixiecrats Strum Thurman (civil rights) democrat- republican party
election day registration
election day registration at same polling places where voting takes place
population
entire group of people whose attitudes a researcher wishes to measure
polls used to
estimate public opinion
11. Explain the fatal errors of Literary Digest's 1936 straw poll. self-selection
mailed- only 22% responded- self selected population
occupation republican
executive, professionals white collar works, women not working outside home
what were the first two parties to develop
fedearlists and democratic republicans
ratification of Constitution (people who supported strong central government)
federalist
44. Describe the current trend in party identification.
fewer voters to declare loyalty to a party
30. Describe the primary tasks performed by local political party groups.
filling party leadership positions government regulation of political parties
40. Explain the cause of the partisan divide on the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by answering the question: Who should bear the burden of voter registration? democrats
government - need to making voting more accessible
9. Explain the pluralist view of the role of public opinion in political institutions.
government must allow for the expression of minority opinions and that democracy works best when different voices are allowed to fight out in public area
1932 Explain the shock to the political system that caused a political realignment. Identify the new issues and personalities that attracted the realignment.
great depression- democratic party
42. What effect has the NVRA had on political participation? Describe the facts and myths.
high turnout helps democrats- not true
What was the voter turnout?Which party won in each presidential election? 2004
high, GOP
What was the voter turnout?Which party won in each presidential election?1952
high, GOP
What was the voter turnout?Which party won in each presidential election?1968
high, GOP
" Asian Americans
higher income= republican
defense Republican Party Platform
maintain federal spending on national defense
28. Describe how a voter casts an absentee ballot.
if cannot make it, mail ballot
10. Under what circumstances can a 17 year-old vote in most states including Ohio?
if voter will be 19 by the date of the general election in November
salience
importance with a group
62. Describe the consequences of political polarization. " Electorate
increased political apathy, less trust in government and lower rates of participation and engagements in politics and governments
33. Identify and explain the primary contribution of think tanks to the political party.
institutional collection of policy oriented researchers and academics who are sources of policy ideas
think tanks
institutional collections of policy -oriented researchers and academics
15. Which two groups filled the void left by weaker political parties?
interest groups and lobbyists
2. List the tools available to pollsters.
internet, robocalls, data collection, analysis and dissemination
3. What is a public opinion poll?
interviews or surveys with samples of citizens that are used to estimate the feelings and beliefs of the entire population
Political socialization
is the development of one's political views and values.
republican party have taken on more...
isolationists, parochial, small-business oriented, conservative tone than others. In many ways Republicans are divided between Wall Street Republicans who associate with corporate values and the Main Street Republicans who focus on small town virtues. In the past decade, the GOP had supported conservative issues such as agriculture subsidies, moral values, and the right to won firearms. The Solid South that Democrats relied on no longer exists. Since 2013, schisms have developed in the Democratic party between moderates and liberals over income inequality. Recently, factions advocating environmental regulation and single-payer health insurance seem to have found a home in the Democratic Party.
12. What caused the demise of the Whig Party?
issue of slavery sharpened divisive tensions within party
62. Describe the consequences of political polarization. " Congress
least productive lack of moderate members, lower incentives to compromise and cross party lines - nearly impossible to enact proposal
same sex marriage democrat
legalization same sex
caucus
local meeting in which party member debate and then vote on which candidate they want their delegates to the convention to support
What was the voter turnout?Which party won in each presidential election? 1948 election
low turnout, democrat
What was the voter turnout?Which party won in each presidential election?1996
low, democrat
democrat income
lower
52. Why might martial status determine political party affiliation?
married= republican never married= democrat widowed= democrat divorced and seperated= liberal bc experienced economic hardships
Describe how each suppressed the black vote. How was the practice stopped. white primary
membership= white man club - 14th amendment - smith v allwright
39. Pollsters have found the direction and intensity of African American and Hispanic opinions differ from whites on which issues?
more likely: environment, government sponsored health insurance hispanics: liberalized immigration policies
39. Why do governor's hold greater influence over their parties' organizations and legislators than do presidents?
more patronage positions on command and governors can state legislatures can elect
hierarchy of how political parties are organized
national chair national committee national convention state central committees and state conventions congressional district committees coty and county committees precinct and ward committees activists and volunteers identifiers and voters
6. Do you have any reason to suspect the accuracy of John Jay's claims about the American people?
no because even though that may have been true while he was living, not reality how
17. Read The Living Constitution. Does the Constitution provide for political parties?
no establishment of political parties - right to assemble not same as permission to permeate election
40. Describe the primary methods for selecting state court judges for all three levels of the state's judicial system (trial courts, appellate courts, supreme courts).
nonpartisan judicial nominating/ Missouri Plan
27. Explain the Dunn and Blumstein ruling and the current registration period for all states.
one year requirement= unconstitutional + wasn't necessary to prevent fraud or manage elections - no state require legislation 30+ days before election
When the Framers were designing the U.S. Constitution, they were for or opposed to political parties
opposed
Public-Employee Unions Democratic Party Platform
opposes tax on collective bargaining
democratic party platform medicare
opposites privatization vouchers
11.4 Which people have the most significant influence on a person's political socialization?
parents
35. Describe how political parties recruit and support candidates for office in the following ways. micro-targeting
parties use computer models to identify potential voters
19. Explain the difference between a secular realignment (1980) and a party realignment (1932).
party realignment- dramatic shift in partisan preferences that drastically alter the political landscape secular realignement- gradual rearrangement of party coalitions, based more on demographic shifts than on shocks to political system
51. Explain some practicing Catholics and Jews have affiliated with the Republican Party in the twenty-first century?
party's visible support for socially conservative viewpoints, including opposition to abortion and contraceptives
voting age
people old enough (18+)
43. Why is party identification significant to American democracy?
people who are hardcore party identifiers not only more likely to vote, but contribute time , energy and efforts and financial support to the party
voting eligible
people who can vote, no felons and undocumented immigrants
35. Describe how political parties recruit and support candidates for office in the following ways. raise funds
political parties during midterm and presidential election years (mail, phone, email, social media etc) parties create network of donors
voting blocs
political scientist analyze voter turnout and reveal noticeable trends about how people of various demographics participate in politics
24. Why are random-digit dialing surveys exempt from federal and state do-not-call lists?
poll taking is a form of constitutionally protected speech
Once the questions are selected...
pollsters must determine the population whose attitudes they want to gauge. If it's simply the population at large, pollsters might use a random sampling. If they're looking at specifics in income, family size, or ethnicity, they might use stratified sampling, which is based on U.S. Census data that provide the number of residences in an area and their location.
Shelby County, Alabama v Holder (2013)
pre clearance act in voting rights act = UNCONSTITUTIONAL
22. Why did states challenge the amendments to the Voting Rights Act of 1856? Explain their constitutional argument.
pre clearance provisions no longer applicable
Republican Party Platform medicare
premium support ( pay what you get )
37. Describe how the political parties provide structure for political conflict within and between branches of the federal and state governments. judicial
presidents elect people in same party and ideology to impact their decisions
abortion republican party platform
pro life
" Congressional Campaign Committees:
raise and distribute campaign funds, develop campaign strategies and recruit candidates and conduct on ground campaign
21. Describe the most important tasks of the national chairperson.
raise funds and keep party financially strong
13. Explain why the dominance political machines from 1860 -1932 produced high political party identities and voter turnouts as high as 75%?
recruit voter loyalty with tangible incentives and is characterized by high degree of control over member activity
public employee unions Republican Party Platform
reform law governing unions
22. Who are the current chairpersons of the political parties? republican
rein priebus
48. Explain how race and ethnicity is an indicator of party identification for each group. " Cuban Americans
republican (last 5 years shifted)
milennial
resist higher taxes to fund medicaid
23. Explain the Court's ruling in the case in the voting age case (#23).
ruled congress does not have authority to se a voting age on federal elections but not for state and local offices
53. Why have very few social movements evolved into political parties?
run candidates for elective office= v hard - requires substantial investment of financial and human resources, base of political supprot
4. Identify and explain the significance of each in the public opinion polls? sample
sample of american people have a margin of +4 -4 percent
Political efficacy
sense of effectiveness with their vote
30. Explain what caused a change in voter turnout from 1972 - 2000? " Voter apathy
simple lack of concern for the election
precinct
small geographic area about 500-1000 voters who are all assigned to a polling place (school, community center)
12. Political elites select the president, not the popular vote. How are they chosen?
state legislatures
40. Explain the cause of the partisan divide on the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by answering the question: Who should bear the burden of voter registration? republicans
states - deny that it is a challenge - infringement on states rights
8. Why is it constitutional for the county board of elections to deny a citizen the vote is his name is not in the poll book? (Hint: Article 1, see Question 5)
states determine suffrage
11. Explain why the party convention and modern political campaign strategies developed in the age of White Man Suffrage?
the parties needed a method to reach out to the common man if they want to win the elections
37. According the a study done by Balz and Johnson, younger voters increased they political participation in the 2008 election. Explain what caused their increased political engagement.
there were many issues that they wanted to vote on/ have solved
38. Why are state legislators more dependent on political parties for election assistance than members of Congress?
they do not have support of interest groups
35. Why are many people poorly informed on foreign policy issues?
they do not impact them directly
41. Explain why government created by the Constitution needs the political party system.
they hold the disparate elements of US government and political apparatus together
Explain the shock to the political system that caused a political realignment. Identify the new issues and personalities that attracted the realignment. 1800
thomas jefferson in reaction against fed party's agenda strong government, democratic republican party
22. Who are the current chairpersons of the political parties? democrat
thomas perez
20th Century: Progressive/New Deal liberal Government expanded
to help citizens, protect consumers, regulate corporations, provide welfare, healthcare, pensions in old age
15. Why might a first time candidate hire a firm to conduct a public opinion poll on their behalf?
to know who knows about them
33. Describe "feeling thermometer" responses and explain why these are rarely used.
too lengthy and unwieldy for polling organizations seeking quick answers
democrat occupation
trial lawyers, educators, blue collar workers
10. Define a straw poll.
unscientific survey used to gauge public opinion on variety of issues and policies
22. Why does the stratified sampling method NOT solicit volunteers?
volunteers often have different opinions from those who don't volunteer
Those who conduct polls must first determine
what questions they want answered and how to phrase those questions. Then they must determine the sample, or subset, of the group whose attitudes they wish to measure. Finally, they have to figure out how to contact respondents. The different types of polls include telephone polls, in-person interviews, and Internet polls. And once the results are in, they must be analyzed.
7. Define public opinion using the information provided in the last full paragraph on page 282.
what the public thinks about a particular issue or set of issues at any given time
public opinion
what the public thinks about an issue or a particular set of issues.
Divided Government
when one party controls Congress and the other occupies the White House, has been common at the federal level.
Polls may have several shortcomings that create inaccuracies. These include:
•survey errors •not having enough respondent options to reflect public opinion on an issue •polling those who lack the information necessary to accurately respond •the inability to measure the intensity of public opinion on an issue •the public's lack of interest in political issues