Government Chapter 19: Public Opinion and Interest Groups

It is important for government to be responsive to public opinion in a democracy because the power to rule lies with the

• president.

• people.

• elected representatives.

• local governments.

Individuals learn their political beliefs through a process called

• political culture.

• political efficacy.

• political socialization.

• political peer grouping.

The boundaries within which citizens develop and express their opinions are set by the

• legal system.

• Supreme Court.

• political system.

• political culture.

Which of the following is an element of U.S. political culture?

• a person's choice of political party

• a party's platform

• a commitment to political equality

• a multi-party system

People who believe they have political efficacy think that

• they can have an impact on government.

• they can have no impact on government.

• they share the values of most citizens.

• they have little in common with other citizens.

People join interest groups to increase their

• social status.

• political efficacy.

• political socialization.

• peer pressure.

Public opinion on an issue is made up of the ideas of

• any citizen.

• any group of citizens.

• all citizens.

• a significant number of citizens.

o be accurate, a scientific poll must have clearly worded questions and accurately interpreted results, and it must survey

• the universe of the target study group.

• a representative sample of the target study group.

• all members of the target study group.

• a self-selected sample of the target study group.

Even before the polls close on Election Day, the news media can project the winners based on

• straw polls.

• push polls.

• exit polls.

• public opinion polls.

Which 3 statements about opinion polls are TRUE?

• Lawmakers use polls to craft bills.

• Polls help candidates decide where to campaign.

• Media use polls as a source of news.

• Polls help politicians change views each time public opinion changes.