AG - Chapter 17.3 -Elections & Voting - Section 3 - Influences on Voters

What are the five major factors that influence voter's decisions?

Personal background of the voter, degree of voter loyalty to one of the political parties, issues of the campaign, voters' image of the candidates, and propaganda.

What outside influences affect how a person votes?

Political parties, media coverage of candidates and campaign issues, and propaganda.

What personal backgrounds characteristics affect a voter's decision?

Upbringing, family, age, occupation, income level, and even general outlook on life, Voters' education, religion, and racial or ethnic background also affect their attitudes toward the candidates.

Propaganda

involves using information, ideas, or rumors to influence opinion.

Cross-pressured voter

is one who is caught between conflicting elements in his or her own life such as religion, income level, and peer group.

What are the three basic requirements that almost all states have?

All states limit the voting right to American citizens. Most states require voters to be residents of the state for a certain period before they are allowed to vote, All states, with the exception of North Dakota, require voters to register or record their names officially with local election boards.

Why do experts believe that the number of weak party voters and independent voters will increase in the future and that presidential candidates will no longer be able to rely on party loyalty for victory?

Television has brought the issues into almost every home in the country. Voters today are better educated than were voters of the past, and Current issues-pollution, the energy crisis, inflation, school busing, gun control, crime, unemployment, and women's rights-seem to have a greater impact on the personal lives of many voters.

Straight party ticket

voters select the candidates of their party only.

Independent voters

voters who think of themselves as neither Republicans nor Democrats.