POLS 206 2026 REVISION NOTES AND
STRUCTURED POLITICAL SCIENCE
FUNDAMENTALS OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ (3) What influences the results of public opinion polls? Answer: -
THE KEY TO ACCURACY OF ANY POLL IS THE RANDOM SAMPLE.
-The method of sampling (Literary Digest mistake), the way the
question is worded
◉ (4) Know the trends regarding trust in government Answer: -
Before 1960's Americans generally trusted the government
-The Great Slide=caused by the Vietnam War and Watergate.
-Decreased further by the Iran/hostage crisis
◉ Public Cynicism Answer: Can be a good thing- means people want
more information
◉ (5) What is political ideology Answer: A coherent set of beliefs
about politics, public policy, and public purpose, which helps give
meaning to political events
-Women more likely to vote liberal, minorities more likely to vote
liberal, religious devotion correlates with degree of conservatism.
, ◉ (6) Know the different groups identified in The American Voter
Answer: 1. Ideologues
2. Group Benefits
3. Nature of the Time
4. No Issue Content
◉ Ideologues Answer: Can connect their opinions and beliefs with
broad policy positions taken by candidates or parties.
◉ Group Benefits Answer: Think about politics mainly in terms of
groups they like or dislike, ie small business owners, labor unions,
etc.
◉ Nature of the Times Answer: Link the party in power to the
country's fortune or misfortune and vote accordingly
◉ No Issue Content Answer: Based on politician's character or
personality or simply the party they associated with.
◉ (7) Know the different components of the "three-headed political
giant" (political parties) Answer: 1. Party in the electorate
2. Party as an Organization
3. Party in Government
STRUCTURED POLITICAL SCIENCE
FUNDAMENTALS OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ (3) What influences the results of public opinion polls? Answer: -
THE KEY TO ACCURACY OF ANY POLL IS THE RANDOM SAMPLE.
-The method of sampling (Literary Digest mistake), the way the
question is worded
◉ (4) Know the trends regarding trust in government Answer: -
Before 1960's Americans generally trusted the government
-The Great Slide=caused by the Vietnam War and Watergate.
-Decreased further by the Iran/hostage crisis
◉ Public Cynicism Answer: Can be a good thing- means people want
more information
◉ (5) What is political ideology Answer: A coherent set of beliefs
about politics, public policy, and public purpose, which helps give
meaning to political events
-Women more likely to vote liberal, minorities more likely to vote
liberal, religious devotion correlates with degree of conservatism.
, ◉ (6) Know the different groups identified in The American Voter
Answer: 1. Ideologues
2. Group Benefits
3. Nature of the Time
4. No Issue Content
◉ Ideologues Answer: Can connect their opinions and beliefs with
broad policy positions taken by candidates or parties.
◉ Group Benefits Answer: Think about politics mainly in terms of
groups they like or dislike, ie small business owners, labor unions,
etc.
◉ Nature of the Times Answer: Link the party in power to the
country's fortune or misfortune and vote accordingly
◉ No Issue Content Answer: Based on politician's character or
personality or simply the party they associated with.
◉ (7) Know the different components of the "three-headed political
giant" (political parties) Answer: 1. Party in the electorate
2. Party as an Organization
3. Party in Government
