Public opinion essay prompt 1, vintage 2025

In his famous essay on belief systems, Converse (1964, 8-10) writes about how involvement in a group can cause attitude constraint. He says this process involves learning two separate things: “what goes with what” and “why.” He then speculates that the second form of learning (why) will happen more slowly than the first. Based on what we’ve read so far, as well as personal experience, do you think he is right about the order in which people (a) bundle issue positions and (b) get ready to explain why those positions should be bundled?

Please give your answer in 3-5 pages, double-spaced. Remember that less can be “more” if circumstances call for it. The rubric I will use is here: https://jacksantucci.com/docs/syllabi/short_paper_rubric.pdf. I can imagine answers in both directions.

Draft final essay prompt

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Schattschneider (1942: 191) expresses deep skepticism about the ability of “public opinion” to hold government accountable. He goes on to argue for more internally disciplined political parties. Please evaluate this diagnosis and prescription in view of what you have learned this semester. Success does not mean citing everything. Rather, you should cite the readings that are relevant to your argument. Please confine your answer to 750-1,500 words. The usual guidelines apply.