For a public opinion poll to be reliable it must be based on a representative sample, randomly chosen from the population. Pollsters work very hard to ensure that every member of the population has an equal chance of being part of the sample. They also attempt to ensure reliability of their results by paying specific attention to question wording, question type, and interviewer training. Such methods will allow pollsters and politicians to get an accurate view of the public. This makes the polls an integral part of modern American democracy, providing essential information upon which public officials can act.
Political socialization refers to the process by which people learn about politics.
Central to this process is the American family. The emotional bonds of the family lead children to develop attitudes similar to those of their parents. It is also true, however, that generations respond to experiences unique to themselves. This generational effect ensures that societies will also experience generational transitions. Beyond the family, the schools are the most powerful agents of socialization.