Unit 2: Political

Behavior &
Opinion
Jordan Greenstein
P.6 - Silver

LO 3.A.1: Explain the core American beliefs,

values, and norms that define the relationship
between citizens and government and citizens
with each other.

Individualism: We as a people strive to be different from one another,

as well as to differentiate ourselves from our Government as we all
have our own opinion.

Equality of Opportunity: Creates a society that allows everyone to be a

part of the hierarchy, even though some might have less desirable
jobs than others.

Free Enterprise: An form of economic system where private businesses

operate mostly free of state and government control

Rule of Law: The Rule of Law states that as a community we must

adhere to principles and regulations, as compared to random
decisions of one man who is judge, jury, and executioner.

Limited Government: A form of government where any intervention

above small adjustments in personal liberties and the economy is
strictly forbidden by the constitution.

LO 3.A.2: Evaluate the influence of

various factors in political attitudes and
socialization.
Family: Within the home you grew up in there are bound to

be many opines, over time these might rub off on you.

Depending on how much time spent with your parents just
talking about opinions and politics, can shape ones political
party.

School: While in a place of education students often run into

teachers who have extreme views, they can have a great
influence because they think they are correct. Because they
are there teachers students sometimes believe they are
correct even when disagreeing with the original idea
themselves.

Peers: The people that surround you make a large

impression on your political views. For example if an
individual has several Homosexual friends that are around
quite often, this individual would probably tip words the
Liberal side of the political spectrum.

LO 4.A.1: Evaluate the impact that public opinion

and scientific polling have on elections and policy
debates.
Many candidates will be swayed by public
opinion and scientific polling on what they
say during their debates. For example, if a
topic is largely unpopular it would be
unwise for the candidate to support it
unless they where targeting a specific
audience. This works in both directions
however, if there is a largely popular
political opinion, the candidate would likely
state his strong stance for the idea, in an
attempt to gain popularity among the
voters.

LO 3.A.3: Analyze the relationship

between 21st century globalization and
American political, social and cultural
values.

In our american society diversity is very

important. This has led to create a society
of many cultures.

The media has played a huge role in the

spreading of the American dream, people
in China know just as well as those in
Europe that America is a land of
opportunity.

LO 3.B.1: Analyze how political culture

influences the formation, goals, and
implementation of public policy.

Political culture plays a huge role in public

policy. Depending on which way the current
culture is heading it will change all these
factors in public policy. Political culture can
change the policy for example, if crime
became a new standard for politicians, the
implementation would be different than if
all politicians where expected to play fair.

LO 3.C.1: Compare how political

ideologies vary on the role of
government in regulating the
marketplace.

Everyone has Different political views,

along with those views come many
opinions on how the United States market
economy should be handled. In regards to
the political parties for example Democrats
prefer strict regulations on the economy,
however Republicans do not like any
economic restrictions whatsoever.

LO 3.C.2: Compare how political ideologies

vary with regard to the role of government
in addressing social issues.

There are two main political ideologies in america;

Liberalism and Conservatism. The Conservatives
want little to no government interaction, while
trying to stick to old fashioned values. While
Liberals want a strong central government.

Along these various stances comes different views

on political issues and government problems. For
example, the Liberals general take a stance
towards social issues such as gay marriage, and
abortion. While Conservatives take a general
stance towards the death penalty, and are
against gun control.

LO 4.D.1: Summarize the voting rights

protections in the Constitution and in
legislation.
There are five main voting protections that are guaranteed to all
americans, these are the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th
amendments, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

15th Amendment - granted African American men the right to

vote.

19th Amendment - guarantees all American women the right to

vote.

24th Amendment - prohibited any poll tax in elections for

federal officials.

26th Amendment - Changed the minimum voting age from

21 to 18

Voting Rights Act of 1965 - Prohibited the use of poll taxes,

literacy test and any other means used to prevent somebody
from voting.

LO 4.D.2: Analyze the roles that individual

choice and state laws play in voter turnout
in elections.

Individual choice plays a huge role in voter

turnout. An individual may decide not to
vote for many reasons: if they feel
unimportant or insignificant, distrust in the
government, or just plain not caring about
politics and whose running our country.

All these factors can fluctuate the amount

of voters that show up to the polling center
on election day.

LO 4.D.3: Analyze U.S. voter turnout

and compare it with that in other
democracies.

In the year 2000 the United States had

54.2% of eligible voters vote, in 2004 the
United States had 60.4%, in 2008 the
United States had 62.3%, and in 2012 the
United States had 57.5%

In the year 2001 Denmark had 87.15% of

eligible voters vote, in 2005 Denmark had
84.54%, in 2007 Denmark had 86.59%, and
in 2015 Denmark had 85.89%.

LO 4.D.4: Explain the

factors that influence
voter choices.

Factors that influence voter choices include their background,

socioeconomic class, education, and party identification.

Background - Depending on the voters origins and family, their voting

decisions will be different. For example id you came from a very
liberal family, chances are you will also be liberal.

Socioeconomic Class - The combined total measure of a person's work

experience and their family's economic and social position in relation
to others, based on income, education, and occupation.

Education - This is a large portion of voter choices, an education could

mean the world between whether or not the person voted for a
candidate that shared similar view or someone that will be horrible at
the job.

Party Identification - If your a conservative your more likely vote

republican, if your Liberal your more likely to vote Democrat. Simple
as that.

LO 4.D.5: Compare
different models of voting
behavior.
The way people vote depends on several factors: age,

education, and strength of beliefs.

Age - The younger you are the less likely you are to
vote, in the U.S. very few people between the ages 1825 actually vote.

Education - If one is not knowledgeable in the world of

politics, they wont make good decisions, they would just
be making decisions.

Strength of Beliefs - The level of devotion and belief in a

particular idea will make the difference in an individual
going to vote, or not.