Political Socialization And American Government

Political Socialization

In all nations, the public is subjected to a course known as political socialization. Children understand that it’s important to show respect for the flag and how to rehearse the Pledge of Allegiance. They are encouraged to acknowledge the power of the government bureaucrats and organizations that design and administer rules. Political socialization attempts to strengthen these values and behaviors all through adulthood. (Wilson et al., 2018)

There are some factors involved in the process of political socialization. The common factors are family, peer groups, institutions, media and communications, and religious organizations. Each plays an essential part, but I think the most important is media and communications. Communication media has occupied a progressively crucial position in the lives of people socially and politically. Politicians also try to influence the public through the media. Media is a source of political news, and it affects people’s understanding, views, attitudes and thoughts concerning politics and political leaders. The typical American spends hours every day reading a newspaper, watching TV, browsing the internet or listening to the radio.

The development of 24-hour news stations has promoted the increasing influence of mass media by enabling open log-on to the news. The news stations on the TV and radio produce a thorough reportage of political news and provocative commentators on political matters of the nation. Standardly, three in four Americans log on the internet and the sum of individuals logging on the internet to get legislative updates is gradually increasing. Internet and cable news permit their clients to manipulate the delivery of news based on clients’ demands. Another common alternative that continues to be a significant source of data and political updates for many Americans is cable news. It is used to keep up with the campaigns and discover more concerning the political candidates.

Public Opinion

Public opinion is the combination of different views on matters of interest to the public. Several governments, in various ways, attempt to manipulate the people by advocating for policies using the media. However, public opinion plays an essential part in a self-governing society since the fundamental democratic notion is that the government has a duty to respond to the general inclination of the people.

The public expresses their opinions through opinion polls which act a crucial part of the political operations and elections. They are essential in several ways. Firstly, prospective political aspirants use ballots to ascertain the amount of support they have. Secondly, the contending candidates utilize public surveys to establish vote matters. Finally, opinion polls are used by the media to trail the public’s choices and insights for a specific candidate or on issues of public concern.

Public polls are crucial but not as important as what is best for American citizens. Voting is a tool, not a standard, that is significant to democracy. There is a difference between the notion that the public should govern and the use of votes to decide policy and to influence the citizen’s desires in society. Numerous politicians take advantage of polls to impose their ways in the system, formulating for their gain without considering their impact on society.

How To Vote

The election procedure starts with primary elections. Here, the individual political parties vote for a nominee to represent their party. The next process is the general election where Americans vote for a president. The Electoral College determines who wins presidential elections. The candidates who receive the majority of votes is the winner.

Voting and elections in America cover several areas. The first is who votes. To be a voter in America, one must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, not a felon and not disqualified to vote by a court order. The second is how to decide your vote. Voting indicators include the political party. Most Americans identify with a particular political party. Another sign is the candidate’s stand on various issues of interest and, lastly candidate’s characteristics. Voters want a candidate who will understand and help them. Another indicator is the outcome of the votes. How we interpret the ballots into results will determine how we vote. I vote in this manner since it’s the criteria documented in the American Constitution. The requirements also enable me to decide which candidate will be preferable. This criterion of voting gives me an opportunity to choose the leader I feel is fit. Also gives me a chance to exercise my democratic right.

References

Wilson, J.Q., Dilulio Jr, J. Bose, M., & Levendusky, M. S. (2018). American government: institutions and policies. Cengage learning.