Ch 5 - Public Opinion - Class 3

3. How are polls, focus groups and other sources of data used by candidates and elected officials?
4. What are the characteristics of a quality public opinion poll?

1. Review: Unit II Test
• Study essential questions, vocabulary, blog posts, and notes from class for Ch 3 - Culture, Ch 4 - Participation, and Ch 5 - Public Opinion
2. Case Study: Death with Dignity Law
• Watch Part 2. Standing Up for a Cause You Don't Support
• Which Oregon statute conflicted with which federal statute?
• How did Sen. Wyden and Sen. Smith vote? Why?
• If you were in their shoes, how would you have voted? Why?
• When should follow public opinion (delegate) or go against public opinion (trustee)?
3. Homework: Blog Post on Surveys (EQ #4)
• Look at their two surveys (from different organizations) related to their policy issue
• Analyze the surveys for the following...
• the sample (random? size?)
• the wording (neutral? clear?)
• the analysis (correct? bias?)