Frames of Reference: Divergent Points of View
Public opinion is a powerful yet elusive force in American politics. It is not that people are shy about expressing their views; it is just that the advice is so varied. Like many things in life, people begin developing opinions in childhood. People...
Frames of Reference: Influence of Religion on Political Values
Political values that children acquire at home and in school are supported by other forces in their lives. One of the major influences is religion, as Representative Jim McDermott and Constance Horner, former director of the U. S. Office of Personne...
Frames of Reference: Presidential Use of Polls
Presidential approval ratings have become a way of life in reporting on the political scene. In the 19th and early 20th century a presidential candidate adopted a platform at the beginning of the campaign and stuck with it, in part because there was...
Frames of Reference: Impact of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender on Public Opinion
Race, says Sydney Verba, "is the single most important divide in American politics." People with common ethnic identities often have similar class positions and income levels as well as common issues and problems that need to be addressed. Social po...