In a democracy - government policy supposed to follow public opinion. A. Capital punishment in America shows government policy may resist public opinion. Survey research allows national opinion to be estimated. Main factors in accuracy of a sample. Citizens prefer a different policy from that followed by the government.
Political attitudes change very little over time.
Americans' attitudes toward capitalism have changed little since 1940s. Americans slightly more conservative than when Johnson - Great Society program of liberal legislation. Political attitudes can change dramatically - as toward racial integration of public schools. B. Agents of early socialization 1. Youthful peer groups.