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, and
    (c) identify and elaborate on a few of the consequences of this trend. (approximately 150-200 words)