GOV 310L Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: George Gallup, Philip Converse, Louis Menand
Document Summary
41 - polling the public (10/23 p2) George gallup (gallup polls) what americans want. Some people say they pay too much attentions to polls. Some argue polls can exaggerate division in american society. Election - related polls self fulfilling prophecies. 42 - choice words: if you can"t understand our poll questions, then how can. Morin formed washington post polling director. Minor differences in wording diff results. People w/ no opinion will answer anyways. 43 - news vs. entertainment: how increasing media choice widens the gaps in. Few citizens have direct contact w/ policymaking. Media is most significant intermediary b/w govt and governed. Information more abundant, but participation and knowledge stagnant. Spread of news sources has nondemocratic effects. New media exacerbates public polarization readers side with what they prefer. 48 - the unpolitical animal: how political science understands voters (11/13. Americans do well in making sound effects collective judgements. Most americans can"t be ideal citizens b/c minimal & inconsistent political beliefs.
