ABSTRACT

Providing an in-depth analysis of public opinion, including its origins in political socialization, its role in the electoral process, and the impact of the media, American Public Opinion goes beyond a simple presentation of data to include a critical analysis of the role of public opinion in American democracy.

New to the Tenth Edition

  • Updates all data through the 2016 elections and includes early polling through 2018.
  • Pays increased attention to polarization.
  • Adds a new focus on public opinion and immigration.
  • Covers new voting patterns related to race, ethnicity, and gender.
  • Reviews public opinion developments on health care.
  • Expands coverage of political misinformation, media bias, and negativity, especially in social media.
  • Defends political polling even in the wake of 2016 failings.

chapter Chapter 1|23 pages

Public Opinion in Democratic Societies

chapter Chapter 2|29 pages

Polling: The Scientific Assessment of Public Opinion

chapter Chapter 3|37 pages

Microlevel Opinion: The Psychology of Opinion-Holding

chapter Chapter 4|32 pages

Macrolevel Opinion: The Flow of Political Sentiment

chapter Chapter 5|33 pages

Political Socialization and Political Learning

chapter Chapter 6|29 pages

Public Opinion and Democratic Stability

chapter Chapter 7|37 pages

Group Differences in Political Opinions

chapter Chapter 8|34 pages

The News Media and Political Opinions

chapter Chapter 9|28 pages

Elections as Instruments of Popular Control

chapter Chapter 10|31 pages

The Public and Its Elected Leaders

chapter Chapter 11|14 pages

Public Opinion and the Performance of Democracy