Politics of Public Opinion

What often affects the political orientation of his or her child?

A parent's political orientation

A shift in electoral support to the candidate whom public opinion polls report as the front runner

Bandwagon effect

What may reveal very different levels of support for particular candidates or policies among the groups?

Breaking down voters by demographic groups

Today this term refers to those who generally support the social and economic status quo and are suspicious of efforts to introduce new political formulae and economic arrangements; conservatives believe that a large and powerful government poses a threat to citizens freedom

Conservative

What have moved further apart in their beliefs about the role of government?

Democrats and Republicans

The regular pattern in which women are more likely to support Democratic candidates, in part because they tend to be less conservative than men and more likely to support spending on social services and to oppose higher levels of military spending

Gender Gap

Today this term refers to those who generally support social and political reform; governmental intervention in the economy and more economic equality; expansion of federal social services; and greater concern for consumers and the environment

Liberal

Who identifies with beliefs on the left side of the spectrum that prioritize equality, whereas those on the right side of the spectrum emphasize control?

People who espouse left-wing ideologies in the United States

Overall set of values widely shared within a society

Political culture

What may differ dramatically depending on the political ideology or party of those polled?

Political opinion on a given issue

The process through which individuals in a society acquire political attitudes, views, and knowledge, based on inputs from family, schools, the media, and others

Political socialization