Question

Using Chapter 6 of American Government, explain how the political culture of a state, the workplace, and political elites can influence/shape public opinion. Explain examples that demonstrate how each of the three factors can influence public opinion. Then choose one of the three factors and explain how you see this factor play itself out in your family, among your friends, in your workplace, community, etc.

Answer 1

Environment influences one's opinions, thoughts and behaviours. These include the political culture of a state, one's workplace, and political elites who are influential in the country in which one lives can influence or shape one's public opinion. Although the basic unit of the society, family can have some immediate influence, social events and people other than one's family has imminent effect in shaping or forming one's public opinion.
The type of political systems such as capitalism, democracy, autocracy and democracy impact how one would grow, the education one would receive, the world view one would receive, the ethical and moral opinions etc.
Workplace is one of the most important place where one will have the opportunity to mingle with people from people from different cultures, language and political views. People will spend most of their time with their colleagues thus this area will definitely influence one's opinions.
Last but not the least, people look for role models in all walks of life in different times as they develop. They look for role models at home, schools, society, at work etc. When an influential figure speaks about a concept, idea, opinion and one identifies oneself with those opinions one already has, one would form and strengthen one's opinions.