POLS 210 W2: Public Opinion and Political Participation

Recap

Previously, we discussed our understanding of the Constitution, healthcare, and amendments. The key takeaways from POLS 210 Week 1 Discussion were: 

• Introductory session
• Deep Analysis of the American Government
• Discussed Federal Government’s Role in Healthcare Policies (Option 1)
• Efforts to Amend the U.S. Constitution (Option 2)

Introduction to POLS 210 Week 2 Discussion

The POLS 210 W2: Public Opinion and Political Participation allows students to explore significant aspects of American Government. You can analyze the impact of public opinion on healthcare policy or compare the campaign tactics of presidential elections in 2008 and 2016. By engaging with recent resources and applying academic concepts, students will better understand how public opinions and political strategies shape policies and election outcomes in the U.S.

Choosing Your Topic

We have two topics in the Week 2 discussion. We are instructed to choose one to write our discussion post. I will provide guidelines and sample solutions to both.

What influence does public opinion have on health care policy? Provide a recent (last eight weeks) poll or news article on healthcare policy illustrating the power of public opinion to affect policy.  Be sure to apply concepts from the textbook and weekly content.

Option 1: Influence of Public Opinion on Health Care Policy

In this option, we will assess how public opinion influences healthcare policy.

• Find a recent poll or news article (from the last eight weeks) that illustrates this influence. 
• Apply and integrate concepts from your textbook or weekly content into your analysis.

Research and Evidence Gathering

• Look for recent polls on platforms like Gallup or Pew Research.

Analysing Healthcare Policy Influence

• Discuss the selected poll or article, emphasizing how it reflects public opinion’s impact on healthcare decisions. 
• Use theoretical concepts to connect real-world data with academic theories.

Example

Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare policy, as demonstrated by a recent Gallup poll that reveals increasing public concern over healthcare costs. (Gallup, 2024). This poll indicates that many Americans prioritize reducing healthcare expenses over other policy issues, which can pressure policymakers to focus on cost-reduction strategies in healthcare legislation.

The influence of public opinion on healthcare policy is underscored by the concept of “agenda-setting,” where the issues that receive the most public attention become priorities for policymakers (McCOMBS & SHAW, 1972). The Gallup poll is a prime example of this, as the heightened public concern will likely elevate healthcare cost reduction on the legislative agenda. By connecting this recent poll to the agenda-setting theory, it becomes evident how public sentiment can direct policy focus and legislative action.

Furthermore, the “public opinion-policy feedback loop” theory suggests that policies can shape public opinion, influencing future policies. (Soroka & Wlezien, 2010). This theory helps explain the dynamic interaction between public perception and policy development. For instance, if new healthcare policies successfully reduce costs, public opinion may shift more favorably towards the effectiveness of current government actions, potentially influencing the direction of future healthcare policies.

In analyzing how the poll reflects public opinion’s impact on healthcare decisions, policymakers must consider these opinions in their legislative efforts, as ignoring them could result in political backlash or reduced public trust. Therefore, incorporating public sentiment into policymaking not only aligns with democratic principles but also enhances the legitimacy and acceptance of healthcare policies.

In conclusion, the relationship between public opinion and healthcare policy is dynamic, with each influencing the other. Recent polls like the one conducted by Gallup provide a snapshot of public priorities, which policymakers cannot afford to ignore if they wish to maintain public trust and effectiveness in addressing key healthcare issues.

Option 2: Comparison of Presidential Campaign Tactics

In the second option, we will analyze the differences and similarities in campaign tactics between the 2008 and 2016 U.S. presidential elections.

• Select one Democratic and one Republican advertisement from each of these elections (totaling four ads)
• compare their strategies using terms from your readings.

Research and Evidence Gathering

Use resources like The Living Room Candidate, Political Communication Lab, and CNN Politics to retrieve relevant ads and polling data.

Analyzing and Writing Your Response

Comparing Presidential Campaign Tactics

• Examine each advertisement’s content, style, and target audience. 
• Discuss the strategic use of rhetoric and media. 
• Focus on contrasting the approaches between the two election years, citing specific examples and terms from your readings.

Example

The 2008 and 2016 U.S. presidential elections offer a fascinating study of the evolution of campaign tactics, particularly through the lens of advertising. Analyzing one Democratic and one Republican advertisement from each election reveals divergences and continuities in strategy that reflect broader trends in political communication.

In 2008, the Democratic campaign famously utilized social media and digital platforms, a nascent tactic but brilliantly executed tactic that contributed significantly to Obama’s success (Kreiss, 2016). The advertisements from this period emphasized hope and change, targeting a diverse, younger audience energized by these progressive themes. In contrast, the Republican advertisements in 2008 tended to focus on traditional values and experience, aiming at a more conservative base wary of rapid changes.

Fast forward to 2016, and the political advertising landscape has shifted considerably. Trump’s campaign leveraged a more aggressive use of social media, utilizing platforms to bypass traditional media filters and engage directly with voters (Enli, 2015). His ads often used provocative language to stir strong emotional responses, reflecting a shift towards more polarising, populist messaging. On the other hand, Clinton’s advertisements continued the Democratic trend of focusing on inclusivity and progressive values but with increased emphasis on experience and stability, likely in response to Trump’s unconventional approach.

The contrasting approaches between these two election years highlight a significant evolution in campaign tactics. The shift from a primary focus on traditional broadcast advertising in 2008 to the sophisticated use of digital and social media platforms in 2016 illustrates the rapid adaptation of campaign strategies to new technologies. Moreover, the strategic use of rhetoric evolved from inspirational to confrontational, mirroring changes in the political and social climate of the United States (Kephart III, 2024).

These observations underscore the importance of adapting campaign strategies to technological advancements and shifting voter demographics and sentiment. The ability to resonate with the electorate, leveraging the appropriate media and messages, remains central to political campaign success.

Closing

Completing the POLS 210 Week 2 Discussion will enhance your understanding of the dynamic relationship between public opinion, media, and political strategy in shaping U.S. governmental policies and elections. This How-To POLS 210 Guide helps develop your analytical skills and deepens your knowledge of American political mechanisms. Remember, the key to success in this assignment lies in rigorous analysis supported by credible evidence and clear, academic writing.

Precap

Next week, we will discuss how to write a research essay on how the federal government creates healthcare policy. POLS 210 Week 3 Assignment revolves around The Federal System and Healthcare Policy.

References

Enli, G. (2015). Mediated authenticity: How the media constructs reality. (No Title).

Gallup, G. (2024). Healthcare System. Gallup.Com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/4708/Healthcare-System.aspx 

Kephart III, J. (2024). Argumentation and Rhetoric. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication.

Kreiss, D. (2016). Prototype politics: Technology-intensive campaigning and the data of democracy. Oxford University Press. 

McCombs, M. E., & SHAW, D. L. (1972). THE AGENDA-SETTING FUNCTION OF MASS MEDIA*. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36`(2), 176–187. https://doi.org/10.1086/267990

Soroka, S. N., & Wlezien, C. (2010). Degrees of democracy: Politics, public opinion, and policy. Cambridge University Press.