19.1 - Shaping Public Opinion

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.

Which of the following statements is true of political socialization?

• A person's views are established by the time he or she reaches adulthood.

• Political socialization begins when a person becomes aware of the political culture.

• Political socialization begins early in life and continues through adulthood.

• A person's views are established in adulthood.

Television and radio are examples of

• interest groups.

• mass media.

• peer groups.

• multimedia outlets.

In the political socialization process, one of your peer groups might include

• your parents' friends.

• people that your brother works with.

• people on your debate team at school.

• members of your political party across the country.