Political Socialization :
Political Socialization Political Socialization:
Mandate
Mass Media
527 Organizations/Soft Money: 527’s came into vogue after the McCain/Feingold Bill outlawed Soft money. How individuals acquire their attitudes and opinions about politics. Communication that reaches a large number of people. When public opinion is behind the politician that politician has a mandate. These groups are private, tax exempt corporations that work to
influence campaigns without any (legal) contact from the candidate or party.
Follow the Money :
Follow the Money Special Interest Groups (Public Interest Groups, Pressure Group, Interest Groups)
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Lobbying / Lobbyists Organized Groups who try to influence particular issues and sway Public Opinion. The members of these groups are often elected politicians, union members, or powerful business people. Because of the restrictions on direct contributions from unions and corporation these organizations form PACS that raise money in order to help elect or defeat certain political parties. Agents employed by the special interest groups and PACs to influence politicians/law makers. Their most important tool is the checkbook.
Smoke & Mirrors :
Smoke & Mirrors Push Polling
Propaganda
Margin of Error A technique in which an organization attempts to influence or alter your political view under the guise of conducting a poll. Often used to get out a negative message without stating it as fact. An organized movement to create a particular public opinion. A measurement of the accuracy of the results of a survey. Example: A margin of error of plus or minus 3.5%. This means the target population as a whole would fall somewhere between 3.5% more or 3.5% less than the responses of the sample (a 7% spread).
Polling :
Polling Public Opinion Poll
Straw Vote/Poll
Random Sample (Quota Sample, Sample) A survey of public attitudes and opinions concerning political issues; using a scientific method to ensure accuracy. A survey of public attitudes and opinions concerning political issues; BUT does not use a scientific method to conduct the poll. A Scientific method that ensures that everyone has an equal chance to be picked for the public opinion polls.