Gov Ch 6&7

• opinion changes based on events that happen
• If a view seems too risky to express, polticians keep it private until public opinion changes.

• Socio-economic status
• Ethics
• Religion
• Gender
• Education
• they represent the "fickle public"

the process and variables by which political views are formed.

• Factors Affecting Socialization:
• Religion
• Race/Gender
• Family
• Education
• Socio-economic status
• Region

• support gov't intervention
• oppose intervention when it threatens liberties
• gov't play active role in creating equal opportunities thruantidiscrimination laws, affirmative action, grants
• commited to gov't bc it has financial resources and can promote equal treatment
• taxes are a means of redistriubuting wealth to poor
• Gov't responsible for preventing and ounishing corrupt market practices
• its responsible for welfare

• reduce role of gov't
• want gov't to spend $ of defense not social programs (no welfare)
• gov't gunctions to private sector
• want prgrams downsized
• individual liberites must be balanced ( no affirmative actions)
• promote individual responsibility and independence from gov't
• gov't is oppressing
• religious- promote morality

• Media outlets & politicl cartoons express PO
• Polls measure
• Gallup- 1st poll
• Scientific & Straw Polls are the most common
• politicians listen to them

• 1941-Pearl Harbor
• 1947-1950‟-McCarthyism
• 1962-1967-JFK, RFK, MLK, Malcom X Assassinations
• 1968-LBJ & the Tet Offensive
• 1974-Watergate & Richard Nixon
• 1979-Iran & Jimmy Carter
• 1986-Iran/Contra Affair & Ronald Reagan
• 1992-Lewinsky & Bill Clinton
• 1999-Bill Clinton-The Comeback Kid
• 2000-The "Contested Election"
• 2001-9/11
• 2002-Marching toward conflict…
• 2003-Invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan
• 2004-Bush wins re-election
• 2005-Hurricane Katrina….
• 2006-Democratic Takeover of Congress
• 2007-Historic Presidential Primary......Hillary vs. Obama…
• 208-McCain vs. Obama, Economic Meltdown
• 2009-Obama‟ Election & Government Takeover of Private Industries…historic shift…
• 2010-Health Care Debate…BP Oil Spill…TEA Party Movement….Midterm Elections

the press may question a high-level government official.

regular reporters covering the President and White House

officials make announcements or explain policy, decision, or action to the press. (Questions may be asked)

ready-made story prepared for members of the press.

• President-80% of all U.S. TV coverage of government officials focuses on the president.
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• Presidents have to learn to use the media to their advantage:
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• Media events-an event designed to reinforce an official‟ position on some issue.
• Radio –FDR (fire side chats)
• TV–Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, & Obama
• The idea of using "media events" for public consumption…helping to promote policy agenda (s)

Constitution requires that SENATE approve presidential appointments…judges, Cabinet, etc.

• Oversight committees in both Houses review how the President carries out laws and specific programs.
• Media will investigate heavily including personal issues-digging into the background of Congressional members.