Public Opinion

Public opinion does not mean that the public thinks the same about an issue. Public opinion can be made up of many opinions on many issues. Public opinion is all the attitudes held by a large number of Americans. The public in public opinion means these opinions are about government and politics, which are areas that affect most Americans.

Many things influence people's attitudes. Political socialization is the process by which people learn ideas and have opinions about issues. People learn their political attitudes from all these:

1. The Family. Starting at a young age, children learn from their family. The family is the main place where they get information. They also pick up attitudes toward athority, property, and other people. As children grow up, the basic attitudes and values they have learned form the base for their opinions on issues.

2. The Schools. The first time children leave home regularly is to go to school. Here, teachers teach children to be good citizens. They salute the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance. They sing patriotic songs and learn facts about U.S. government and history.

3. Opinion Leaders. An opinion leader is any person who has a big influence on what others think. Some examples are TV stars, public officials, ministers, teachers, or community leaders. People listen to these leaders and often adopt their opinions.

4. The Mass Media. Television, radio, movies, books, and newspapers together are called the mass media. They are ways of communicating to many people at the same time.

5. Other Factors. No one thing by itself shapes a person's opinion. The issue itself often determines which influence will be most important.