Frames of Reference: Continuity of Political Attitudes
Although political attitudes formed early in life seldom change dramatically, the basic framework is refined by life experiences. Student activists in the 1960s tend to remain active although their causes may be more moderate than they were as colle...
Frames of Reference: Delicate Balance: The Influence of Public Opinion on Political Decision-making, A
To what extent should public opinion influence political decisions? Experts point out that citizens elect representatives to assess the complexities and make decisions regarding a myriad of issues. They are expected to be responsive to the electorat...
Frames of Reference: Group Identification and Political Participation
Groups are a more compelling frame of reference than ideology for most Americans. Religious differences, for example, can be a source of political solidarity within the group and a source of conflict without. During the 1960s the civil rights moveme...
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: Dividing Lines
We are united as a country by certain common ideals, but we are divided by ideologies and group priorities that push us in different directions. The philosophical battle is often between individual and social solutions to problems.
Frames of Reference: Party Affiliation and Political Attitudes
The clearest line of demarcation in the political arena exists between the two major political parties. Ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics often lead people to choose one party over another. People tend to become more stably partisan the older...
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...