Pols 1101 Public Opinion

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public opinion

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the distribution of individual preferences for or evaluations of a given issue, candidate, or institution within a specific population.

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random sample

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in this type of samples, every individual has a known and equal chance of being selected.

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manifest opinion

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a widely shared and consciously held view, such as support for abortion rights or for homeland security

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political socialization

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the process--most notably in families and schools--by which we develop our political attitudes, values, and beliefs

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select exposure

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individuals choosing to access media with which they agree or avoiding media with which they disagree.

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voter registration

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a system designed to reduce voter fraud by limiting voting to those who have established eligibility to vote by submitting proper documents including proof of residency.

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general election

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elections in which voters elect officeholders

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primary election

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elections in which voters determine party nominees

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presidential election

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elections held in years when the president is on the ballot

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midterm election

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elections held midway between presidential elections

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turnout

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the proportion of the voting age public that votes, sometimes defined as the number of registered voters that vote.

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party identification

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an informal and subjective affiliation with a political party that most people acquire in childhood.

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candidate appeal

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how voters feel about a candidate's background, personality, leadership ability, and other personal qualities.

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prospective issue voting

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voting based on what a candidate pledges to do in the future about an issue if elected

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retrospective issue voting

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holding incumbents, usually the president's party, responsible for their records on issues, such as the economy or foreign policy.

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winner-take-all system

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an election system in which he candidate with the most votes wins

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single-member district

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an electoral district in which voters choose one representative or official

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proportional representation

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an election system in which each party running receives the proportion of legislative seats corresponding to its proportion of the vote

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electoral college

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the electoral system in which each party running receives the proportion of legislative seats corresponding to its proportion of the vote.