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Questions and Answers
Post-modern meaning of public opinion includes only peer pressure to slow down citizen involvement.
Post-modern meaning of public opinion includes only peer pressure to slow down citizen involvement.
False
Democratic peace theory suggests that democratic nations are more likely to go to war with each other.
Democratic peace theory suggests that democratic nations are more likely to go to war with each other.
False
Elite theory and Marxism both suggest that policymaking is dominated by powerful elites or business interests.
Elite theory and Marxism both suggest that policymaking is dominated by powerful elites or business interests.
True
Study Notes
Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives on Public Opinion and Democracy
- The post-modern meaning of public opinion (PO) has two aspects: peer pressure to slow down citizen involvement and governments' resources to control and manipulate PO.
- Democracies prioritize being responsive to PO over non-democratic governments.
- Theory refers to generalizations that explain, inform research, and predict or influence future events.
- Democratic peace theory suggests that democratic nations are less likely to go to war with each other.
- Democracy can be direct or indirect, with James Madison arguing that pure democracies lead to conflict-ridden states.
- Normative theories range from minimalist, where citizens can replace rulers through elections, to maximalist, where citizens govern themselves.
- Citizens' democratic competence refers to their ability to meet the requirements of democratic models.
- Policymaking is expected to be at least somewhat responsive to PO due to periodic elections and voters choosing leaders who share their values and opinions.
- Policymakers learn about PO through public opinion research and interest groups representing disparate viewpoints.
- Elite theory and Marxism suggest that policymaking is dominated by powerful elites or business interests.
- The elements of democratic competence include good heart, reasoning mind, and balanced judgment, but assessing qualification is subjective.
- Essential conditions for public opinion in democracies include freedom of communication, time for deliberation, and nonpartisan administrative procedures.
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Description
Test your knowledge on theoretical and empirical perspectives on public opinion and democracy with this quiz! From democratic peace theory to the elements of democratic competence, this quiz covers a range of topics related to public opinion and its role in shaping democracy. Whether you're a political science student or just interested in the topic, this quiz is a great way to learn more about the nuances of public opinion in democratic societies.
