The term "public opinion" is frequently used in reference to all of American society. This perspective is?
A. accurate, since Americans are one people and indivisible
B. less accurate than view of public opinion based on majority, since the political system operates on the principle of majority rule.
C. less accurate than the idea that Americans form many publics, which differ greatly in such things as the level of attention they pay to politics.
D. less accurate than view of public opinion based on what the news media are saying about the public
E. accurate, because there is little diversity in American public opinion.
My answer is B. would this be correct?
I disagree.
I have went back and re read my chapter I'm still having problems with this question. I have changed my answer from B to C less accurate than the idea that Americans form many publics, which differ greatly in such things as the level of attention thy pay to politics. However, I'm wondering if my son might be correct he says the answer is A. I'M SO CONFUSED!
I agree that C is the best answer.
Your answer of B. is partially correct. The perspective that views public opinion based on the majority is accurate to some extent since the political system does operate on the principle of majority rule. However, this perspective alone does not fully capture the complexity and diversity of public opinion in American society.
A more accurate perspective would be C. which suggests that Americans form many publics that differ greatly in various aspects, such as their level of attention to politics. Public opinion is not just a monolithic entity, but rather a collection of different groups and individuals with diverse views and interests. Different publics may have differing levels of involvement or attention to political matters, leading to variations in opinions held within society.
It is important to note that option E. is not accurate since there is indeed significant diversity in American public opinion. Different social, economic, and cultural factors contribute to a wide range of opinions and perspectives held by Americans.
In conclusion, while the perspective in option B. has some validity, the more accurate viewpoint is C. which acknowledges the existence of different publics with varying levels of attention and interests in politics.