| Term | Definition |
|---|
| public opinion | The distribution of individual preferences for or evaluations of a given issue, candidate, or institution within a specific population. |
| random sample | In this type of sample, every individual has a known and equal chance of being selected. |
| manifest opinion | A widely shared and consciously held view, such as support for abortion rights or for homeland security. |
| political socialization | The processmost notably in families and schoolsby which we develop out political atitudes, values, and beliefs. |
| selective exposure | Individuals choosing to access media with which they agree or avoiding media with which they disagree. |
| attentive public | Citizens who follow public affairs carefully. |
| voter registration | A system designed to reduce voter fraud by limiting voting to those who have established eligibility to vote by submitting the proper documents including proof of residency. |
| general election | Elections in which voters elect officeholders. |
| primary election | Elections in which voters determine party nominees. |
| presidentail election | Elections held in four years when the president is on the ballot. |
| midterm election | Elections held midway between presidential elections. |
| turnout | The proportion of the votingage public that votes, sometime defined as the number of registered voters that vote, |
| party identification | An informal and subjective affiliation with a political party that most people acquire in childhood. |
| candidate appeal | How voters feel about a candidate back ground, personality, leadership ability, and othe personal qualities. |
| prospective issue voting | Voting based on what a candidate pledges to do in the future about an issue if elected. |
| retrospective issue voting | Holding incumbents, usually the president's party, responsible for thei records on issues, such as the economy or foreign policy. |
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