What are the roles of mass media, peer groups, and opinion leaders in influencing public opinion?

events and issues that concern the people at large (politics making of public policies)

those attitudes held by a significant number of people on matters of government and politics

those means of communication that reach large, widely dispersed audiences simultaneously

those people with whom one regularly associates, including friends, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors

any person who has an unusually strong influence on the views of others

family, school, race, occupation, gender, mass media, peer groups, opinion leaders, historic events

No. There are many different public opinions. Additionally, people disagree about which public issues are important. Few issues capture the attention of all Americans. Most issues are of little interest to the majority.

political parties, candidates, taxes, unemployment, national defense, foreign policy

Public opinions are formed about public affairs.

the process by which a person gains his or her political views

Children tend to favor the political parties supported in the households in which they were raised. Schools prepare students to become good citizens. Occupation and racial background play a significant role as well.

Television is one of the biggest mediums between ideas and the people. Other mediums include radio, magazines, and newspapers.

People may be reluctant to disagree with others and/or already share in the same beliefs and do similar things that express these views.

Anyone from a journalist to a congressman.

The Great Depression devastated the economy and shifted popular support for Democrats.

the instructions a constituency gives its elected officials

a private group that works to shape the making of public policy

Mass media is communication—whether written, broadcast, or spoken—that reaches a large audience. This includes television, radio, advertising, movies, the Internet, newspapers, magazines, and so forth.

1st amendment: freedom of speech, religion, petition, press, and assembly

2nd: right to bear arms

3rd: quartering of soldiers

4th: search and seizure

a.tensions between the colonial elites and the backcountry men of virginia.