The function of public opinion in political systems, and methods for revealing public preferences; with principal focus on the US case. 

Texts:

• R.S. Erikson & K.L. Tedin. 2011. American public opinion: Its origins, content, and impact (8th). Pearson-Longman.
• J.W. Kingdon. 1989. Congressmen's voting decisions (3rd). Michigan.

Goals & objectives: The Higher Learning Commission, which is the accrediting body for ASU, requires all syllabi to identify learning objectives; so, after completing POSC 4143/5143, where the goal is to criitically evaluate the role of public opinion in US policymaking, students will demonstrate

• the ability to critically interpret the result of public opinion surveys
• an understanding of civic competence in the US
• the ability to analyze how well political processes in the US represent or distort public preferences

Rules

Schedule

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