ABSTRACT
Providing an in-depth analysis of public opinion, beginning with its origins in political socialization, the impact of the media, the extent and breadth of democratic values, and the role of public opinion in the electoral process, American Public Opinion goes beyond a simple presentation of data to include a critical analysis of the role of public opinion in American democracy.
1. Public Opinion in Democratic Societies 2. Polling: The Scientific Assessment of Public Opinion 3. Microlevel Opinion: The Psychology of Opinion-Holding 4. Macrolevel Opinion: The Flow of Political Sentiment 5. Political Socialization and Political Learning 6. Public Opinion and Democratic Stability 7. Group Differences in Political Opinions 8. The News Media and Political Opinions 9. Elections as Instruments of Popular Control 10. The Public and Its Elected Representatives 11. Public Opinion and the Performance of Democracy Appendix: The National Election Study and the General Social Survey Questions
