Transcript II. Political Culture

II. Political Culture
II. Political Culture
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A. The Socialization of politics -The development of traditions, values and
ideologies of the American political animal.
1. HOW is political socialization developed?
a. Wte of tradition + customs
b. Impact of events
c. Changes in the way of political elites
d. families
e. school
f. relationships (as the paradigms shift)
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2. WHO establishes our political value system. .
.Who sets the agenda?
a. SIGS
b. Political institutions
c. Media “The New Parent”
d. family
e. Social Econonic Stratification (SES) as one
grows older.
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3. Establishing political values. . .
a. Complete the chart
b. small group of 4 each. . .come to a consensus of top 3 and
bottom 3
c. Instructor writes on board all 14 titles and plots results
d. discussion
e. why?
(1) ECONOMICS
(2) FREEDOMS
(3) CONSERVATIVE/LIBERAL IDEOLOGY
(4) Minority argument
(5) Thesis statement:
How are our political values established through out the
constituency?
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B. America’s Demographics: Who are we?
1. Demographics
a. gender
b. occupation
c. Race
d. religion
e. SES - social class
2. Census building - It will happen every 10 years.
a. a “Nation of nations” JFK said. . .
1) First wave -- NW Europeans
2) 2nd wave - Eastern Europeans
3) 3rd Wave - Hispanics + Asians
4) Minority/majority(T-17) is influencing the great melting pot.
by 2050 - Whites will be only 52% of society
At one time Blacks were the largest “reluctant” minority.
Now w/ affirmative action, they are moving up.
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5) Simpson/Mazzoli Act requires employers to document the
citizenship of employees or face fines.
6) Asian influx has brought an educated elite into America. . .the
typical downtrodden immigrant now is highly educated
7) Even with gambling, Native Americans maintain a dismal
ranking in acquiring the American dream.
3. Demographics has also changed with the MOBILE
society. . . Frost Belt to Sun Belt: SW, SE and Texas dramatic
population increases(20% growth rates) while North has 5%
growth -- Congress (T-18)
must keep up with - Reapportionment! shifting 435 Hse votes
4. GRAY POWER - Baby boomers graying rapidly + they wish
to collect their $5 trillion in Social Security benefits! -- Their
SIGS possess clout - i,e, AARP
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C. How do we know America is changing. . .
POLLLLING1.
Early 1950’s George Gallup “Polled” a microcosm
of American political thought
- a Sample -a) the more “random” the better. . . everyone has a
chance of being selected. . .
b) Biased sample- stated preference
c) representative sample . i.e. Democrats only
2. Samples are not perfect -- sampling error
1-5% error rate per 1,-000- 2,000 responses
3. random-digit dialing speeds up the process!
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4. Polls assist politicians . . .
a.
b.
c.
in “detecting” public preferences. . .Are their
shifts in thinking . . .creating possible
“shifts” in policy making.
It has become the issue of selling policy
instead of possibly doing what’s right or
avoiding compromises to appease radical
shifts!.
Politicians love them when they agree with
them; they hate them when they disagree.
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5. Bandwagon effects. . .jump on board. . .instead of
being prudent
6. Elections too often tied to them. . .takes over issue
development.
a.. Exit poll can control elections on election day.
b. Straw polls check the pulse of a potential voter before
election day, ie. the Florida debacle in the 2000
election. Gore won Florida, and then lost Florida. .
.and then it was too close to call once the results were
in.
c. Push Poll . . .Late poll without rebuttal. . . .
7. The questions are the key. . .and too often they are
misleading!
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8. Polls can show
a. relevancy, or salience of a topic + intensity
b. stability
c. direction. . .positive or negative
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Putnam Thesis
“By virtually every conceivable measure, social
capital has eroded steadily. . . . (Putnam pg 24)
Assess the validity of this statement by
explaining what social capital is; and providing
three implications if it is truly becoming
extinct.
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Putnam #2
a.
b.
Define social capital.
Does social capital have salutary
effects on individuals, or even entire
nations? Describe three factors that
exist, or do not exist, when social
capital is working within a society.
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Putnam answers
Define SC = Networking among people.
2. Extinction – lack of reciprocity; loss of prvt
and public goods; more distrust; mutual
concerns.
3.Existence:
collective
PS;
Trustworthy
connections; Joiners become more tolerant;
establishes personal connections. Better
coping. . .We are in it together!
1.
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D. What do Americans really believe?
1. Liberal v. Conservative ideology. Demographically,
What Americans support?
Placement on spectrum based on:
RAD Liberal Moderate Conserv Reactionary
Big Gov’t
Gov’t size
Small (State)
Progressive Change Status Quo
Peace (UN) Intrnatl Diplo Isolat (Security)
Gov’t controls Man
Evil (discipline)
Fear
Violence
Control
Justice
Liberties Literal Interpretation
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Flickr Pol Spectrum
b. Liberal tendencies: 1, 2, 4,5,13,15,16,17,
22,23,25,26,27,30, 31,32,33,34,36,40
c. Conservative tendencies:
3,6,7,8,10,11,12,14,17,18,20,21,24,28,29,35,37,
38,39
2. True Liberals
a) Blue dogs - Conservative Democrats, Dixiecrats
b) classic liberals
c) radical liberals
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5. True Conservatives
a) moderates – RINOs - Rockefeller Republicans (i.e.
Sam Jeffords)
b) Social Far right
c) Economic
6. A Moderate isn’t an ideology, just a way to look at
gov’t problems and solutions.
7. Are Americans ideologues? Shifting in the winds? or
just smart political elites. . .
Reagan era shift to the right. . .Clinton era shift to the
left, then to the middle. . .Bush era -- Right
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8. The other ideologues
a)
b)
c)
Socialism – Public ownership of means of production
and exchange. A left wing perspective. Market
economy w/ gov’t involvement. . .Most European
democracies use this approach. High taxes but
“Nat’l” benefits.
Environmentalism – Grassroots democracy, social
justice, non-violence. In a post-materialistic world,
many seek to replenish the environment before it
wears out. The post-materialistic world. . .
Libertarianism – Indiv liberty + sharply limited
gov’t; isolationist; repeal all morality laws. “Get
Gov’t out of your lives”. A Nevada favorite
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Political compass tests
Let’s take a political ideology quiz to see if it
agrees with your worksheet. Sign on to:
http://www.politicalcompass.org/
Take the test and then place your ideology score
on the board.
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D. Political participation: The many forms-How:
1.
Voting. Only 50% vote in nat’l elections. Voters see a lack of
political efficacy. . .not being able to politically “effect”
society through the political process. Age matters.
They have no influence. . .
2. Join SIGS
3. Give $$$$ to SIGS thru PACS
4. Become a political elite
5. Contacting gov’t officials on a regular basis
6. Working on a campaign
7. civil disobedience
8. Violence
Who: Those of higher SES participate more. . . and get more!
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E. Mass Media:
1. Goal . . .Make $$$$
2. How. . it sells advertising but people don’t
watch or read the ads unless the product is
well-done!
3. Media functions:
a. inform
b. guide
c. interpret
d. entertain
Purpose . . .Deliver the “news”. . .
A timely, concise and Factual summation.
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4. History
Political mouthpieces – 1700’s – 1870’s, a partisan
press is diminished by Technology that drives them
away from political party support .
b) Yellow Journalism – Muckrakers 1870s-1900s
c) 1900 NY Times turns to Objectivity. . . And
descriptive reporting>>> Facts prevail. The attempt
was to inform a broad audience
d) Today interpretive reporting prevails where the media
attempts to analyze + explain. It’s a skeptical
approach. . . Because politicians also attempt to
control the mediums in delivering their message.
It’s also narrowcasting vs. Broadcasting
a)
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e. Propaganda
Definition - a persuasive attempt to control
the info machine. The use or abuse of the
truth. . . Also called misinformation. . . Or
disinformation . . . (Reagan)
2) How do the major players control the flow of
info . . .and its interpretation of information?
1)
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3) Propaganda components
Source – the disseminator
b)
Message – what is being delivered
c)
Receiver – a “specific target” audience
d)
Delivery systems. . .print. . .electronic
. . . Those are obvious. . .its the subtle systems
many worry about because one uses
psychological factors. . .the attempt to
influence the minds of men. . .
a)
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4) Propaganda Techniques
Word Games
1) Glittering Generalities – Using + abusing the
very ideas citizens of a democracy value the
most. . .liberty, mom, love, patriotism,
financial security. . .for the Prop sources’
purpose. . .”We must preserve democracy by
taking away all civil liberties. . .We must
liberate this village by destroying it. . .”
a)
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2) Name Calling
Labeling. . .Bad works better than good.
Rebel. . .terrorists. . .radical. . .liberal. . .Yuppie.
. .Queer. . . Hooking it with a bad symbol
instead of looking at the evidence. . .
a)
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3) Euphemisms
An attempt to pacify the audience by
hooking the unpleasant with something more
palatable or acceptable.
1)) It isn’t shell shock. . .it is combat fatigue
2)) It isn’t a casualty. . .it’s collateral damage
3) It isn’t murder. . .it’s being eliminated.
a)
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4b) False connections
1)
2)
Transfer – Use respected symbols and attach
them to your message. . .Wear that flag. . .
Testimonial. . .Endorsements by celebrities
but are they qualified to make those
endorsements? Does Tom Cruise really
understand psychiatry?
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4c) Special appeals
Plain Folks – We are “of” the people. . .
We must rid politics of special interests. . .
But didn’t Madison tell us to join a group because
groups impact politics more than one idea. . .? Can
Millionaires really identify with the middle class?
2) Bandwagon – “Everyone is doing it.” Unite us as
ONE. . .
3) Fear > Accidents encourage us to wear seat belts!
Fear appeal >> fear reducing behavior
1)
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4d) Logical fallacies
Common Logic fallacy
1= a number
2= a number
1 = 2 ???
1)
I .e. all mothers are female. . all females are Mothers. . . ?
Nope
2) Extrapolation- Inflate the data. . .
Approve NAFTA and thousands of jobs will go south. . .
Gun control will only leave weapons to the criminals.
..
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5. Political Cartooning
5. One of the more effective displays of
delivering political advice is the political
cartoon.
a. Symbols. . . send a message for the recipient to
interpret. It’s a blend of humor, creativity,
artistic design, newsy events, and propaganda.
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b. What gives political cartoonists the right to put
a subjective “spin” on the news?
6. Fourth Estate (Mass Media) -- 1st amendment
provides the incentive to report the “News”
which is . . . .
a timely occurence that “informs the public”.
4th Estate
1st estate
2nd estate
3rd estate
Prv’t sector
Public sector
Gov’t sector
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7. Media Roles
Signaler: Alert the public. “Late breaking
News. . . “sets the agenda. . .”
b) Common Carrier-Gives politician a channel to
communicate w/ the public. . .Let’s call a
press conference. . .”+ create a sound bite.
c. Watch dog: Expose wrongdoings of any estate.
d. Public rep- Speaking for the masses w/o being
accountable or responsible
a)
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8. That timely occurence often becomes a “Media
Event or creates a Media Frenzy. Get your
name or picture in print or on the tube! Either
through “news” events or paid advertising!
Often Pols “make” news to get on the news.
9. To combat an aggressive media, politicians
have hired“Spin Masters”, those hired
specifically to promote the image of the
candidate!
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10. President Reagan’s media advice:
a.
Plan ahead. . .b. offensive approach. . .
c. control the flow. . .d. limit reporter access. . .e.
discuss only your agenda. . .f. speak in one
voice
As presidents attempted to control the flow of
information. this forced reporters to go on the
offensive. i.e. Vietnam and Watergate era
forced presidents to live in the shadow of a
distrusting public.
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11. And Competition in the medias has forced the
media to be much more aggressive and “bend”
the journalistic rules of using reliable sources,
the “sound bite” and great images!
a. primary sources v.
b. secondary sources. . . “undisclosed sources
claim” . . .
12. Narrowcasting (focus on specific news or
issues 24 hours a day) may fulfill political
junkies or spin issues out of control.
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13. Politicians can manipulate the press.
a. By sending up trial balloons to see how the public
will react to certain issues. Then back off if the
response is negative.
b. Both the political elites and the medias dance to get
the upper hand. . .and both seek the advantage in
dispensing their agenda. . .
c. The Press’ wishes to inform the masses. . . vs. the
politicians’ attempt to put it in a good light.
d. Politicians also use negative ads v. opponents.
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14. TV has changed the playing field with “drama”
footage. . . and sensationalism. It’s competitive!
15. Undoubtedly, “coverage” impacts public opinion!
a. President George Bush Sr criticized the media for its
perception of a weak econ in 1992, thereby forcing
his election loss. . .and Al Gore blamed the press for
tying him to the Clinton debacle. . .
16. But the media gives the public a voice in politics as
it maintains its watch dog function. It’s still the 4th
Estate and Americans devour info in any format. .
.print to the electronic!
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17. Who “owns” the media?
The quest for $$$$
a) Mega mergers have made six (7 if Comcast
goes through) media giants.
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18. Bloggers. . .the news
underground
a. Anybody can become a journalist by keeping a
“journal” on line. . .Are they providing legitimate
information or just ideologues spouting off. Also
called free lancers or free agents. . .
1) Some have become more creditable by out working
the “real” press. i.e. CBS + Dan Rather’s under
reporting of George W’s Military career
2) Many are tied to SIGS.
19. In conclusion. . .even though media and Info sources
abound. . .America, surprisingly does well, even
though it is relatively uninformed. .
“Paradox of the masses” .The Jay Leno phenom
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19. Why many don’t like the media
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Not objective. . .too much subjective
reporting.
Too many Hot flashes. . .not enough
substance. . .”E” focus. . . Sound bite driven
$$$$$ driven, not news driven.
Not accountable or responsible for their
stories; especially bloggers.
Attempt to control politics w/ polling and
horse race mentality.
F. Amassing public support
1. Special Interest groups (SIGS). . .a modern
day version of Madison’s factions. . .
a.
Sharing a cause for the purpose of
“influencing” the gov’t at all levels, all
branches. No gov’t stone shall be left
unturned!
b.
Political parties goals are to “make” policy. .
. SIGS are Pluralists venting vs. the elites of
society, or are they hyperpluralists?
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2. Madison + SIGS #10
It is an inherent right to join groups!
b.
Gov’t, w/ C + B’s + Sep of Pwrs will be able
to control Factions. . .or will it?
c.
The Dilemma:
Gov’t has too many accesses for SIGS?
Find an ally and the benefits will flow. . .
Therefore SIGS can dominate a gov’t. . .bringing
tension between equality + liberty. Will only
a few prevail?
a.
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2. characteristics
Membership
b. financial resources
c. leadership
d. organizational structure
e. benefits:
1)
Prvt goods – Union’s closed shop
2)
Material incentive. . .Madison discussed property. . .
3)
Purposive incentive – Doing it to save mankind
4)
Collective goods – shared. . .clean air
a.
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3. Types of Sigs
a. business + industry b. trade assn’s
c. organized labor d. agriculture e. professional
f. public interest g. gov’t h. cultural,
religious,ethnic
i. equality interest
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4. Influential strategies:
a. Provide data to Gov’t + agencies. Policy
specialists ( Pol parties are party generalists)
b. draft legislation via the Iron Triangle network
of
SIGS
Gov’t agencies
Congressional subcommittees
c. lawsuits (amicus curiae, Friend of the court)
class action court cases.
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d. Education – Attend issue network forums, an ad hoc
collection of SIGS, media, Business + Gov’t to
discuss the issues.
e. Watchdogs of gov’t. . .
f. Lobbyists- “hired guns or political persuaders, whose
job is to promote the SIGS interests via. . .pressure
(garnering votes, +$$$$, idealists.)
1)
Inside-contacts w/ elites, giving info,forming
coalitions.
2)
Outside- Letter writing, seeking media time,
election campaigns, PAC $$$, targeting key
sources.
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5. SUCCESSFUL SIGS:
a. size of the group . . .
(1) is it a “potential group”--- a mixture (consumers) of
many who “could” belong,
(2) vs.an “actual group” of hard core (NRA) followers.
(3) Potential groups (or large groups) suffer from “freerider status”. i.e. all minimum wage earners benefit
from minimum wage increases. . .so why work
toward it. . .
(4) BUT actual groups reap their own benefits and work
harder! One can make potential groups more
powerful by providing “selective benefits”. ie.
AARP
b. Intensity - Single issue groups - NRA, NOW, Gun
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c. $$$$ - As of 1974, corporations and Unions can not
directly fund political campaigns. . .BUT Political
Action Committees (PACS) , the political arm of
SIGS, can fund candidates’ campaigns. Over 3,800
today from 600 in 1974.
This gains access to Politicians. Ie Enron. 40% of
PACS belong to Business groups.
(1) gave $134 million to incumbents in 99-2000 House
election, only $17 million to the challengers. This is
an Investment into the future and incumbents win
almost 90%.
(a) 1974 Campaign law -- $10,000 per candidate
(primary + gen election) But that is for nat’l
campaigns only. . .
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Buckley v. Valeo extended $$$ to “indirect”
financing (TV ads)
(b). Soft Money - 1980 - Can “earmark” funds to a
political party, unlimited contributions. . . $400
million allocated in 2000 election to Dems +
Republicans.
today soft money is illegal – McCain-Feinholz
campaign finance law. But states control their own
PAC contributions.
d. Going Public. . .reaching out to influence public
opinion. . Ads sell! a great form of propaganda!
i.e. NRA and Charles Heston. . .
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6. Interest groups are becoming more diverse. . .
from 6,000 to 23,000+ 9 (see chart) . . .and 90%
reside in Washington D.C.
7. Interest group participation is culmination of
political participatory activities.
(Issue network demo)
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