Changing Public Opinion
Before beginning this assignment, make certain that you have read Chapter 6 in your text (“Public Opinion and Political Action”), the 2021 Pew Research Center Report titled “Americans See Broad Responsibilities for Government: Little Change Since 2019” (March 17), and the 2020 article by Eli Finkel et al. from Science titled, “Political Sectarianism in America” (October, Vol. 370, Issue 6516). Then write a brief report that contains three separate sections that address all the points in each set of questions. Notice the expected word count for each section (exceeding the word count will not negatively affect your grade, but please try to stay within the range).
1. Relying on the Pew Research Center Report, briefly summarize what Americans think about the role
of the federal government in addressing various policy issues (indicate specific areas and indicate
where support is strongest and where it is weakest). Also, describe general levels of trust of and
contentment with the federal government and indicate what changes can be detected over time.
(Approximately 150-200 words)
2. How do attitudes about federal government responsibilities differ by age, race, income, and
partisanship (Democrats and Republicans)? Be sure to indicate where the differences are the least and
where they are the greatest on each of these dimensions (age, race, income, and partisanship).
(Approximately 150-200 words)
3. Based on your reading of “Political Sectarianism in America,”
(a) summarize the article’s major findings,
(b) list and describe the three causes identified for the increase in political sectarianism
(c) identify and elaborate on a few of the consequences of this trend. (Approximately 150-200 words)
Be careful not to plagiarize. If you want to quote directly, do so using quotation marks (giving the page number if available). But try to do this sparingly and simply use your own words in addressing the questions.
In your writing, use an analytical tone that is free of your personal opinions. In other words, try to answer the questions in a straightforward and objective manner.
