what dangers do polls and focus groups present?
do polls increse posibitliy of majority factions exerting overpowering influence at national level?
2006-10-02 08:46:51 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Because then presidents begin to govern by the polls... they start making decisions based on what will be best received by the general population, rather than making the decisions that need to be made in the best interest of all of the country. Presidents almost always have more information on any given decision that must be made that does the population at large. Yes, polls do increase possibility of majority factions achieving too much power. Now, read your textbook instead of asking for homework help.
2006-10-02 08:52:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that polls are a good thing for all elected people to use, they are suppose to be representing the will of the people and this is one way to know what the people want. I do caution however that a Representative would still have the final word and should make the decisions. If the will of the people happens to not have Americas best interest then I would say then is the time to go with your conscious. Most of the time though the polls are pretty accurate and could be relied on to help with decisions.
2006-10-02 08:51:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because can be biased in a number of ways. Sample sizes are relatively small and who they select can also sway a poll.
Polls are only meant as a barometer or to get a lay of the land in term of sentiment. Also, there are times when polls say one thing but the right thing to do isn't necessarily what the polls say. For example, a lot of people supported the Iraq war initially and we went in. We now see it was a bad idea. Likewise, many people are against the war now and want us to pull out. Pulling out too quickly could be bigger problem.
2006-10-02 09:03:08 · answer #3 · answered by dapixelator 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the lowest common denominator factor. While I agree that it is useful to guage the country's mood, it, idealistically, should not influence a politicians' choices as to what they believe is right or wrong. That's called integrity. If everyone changes their answers with the polls, we get things like the Iraq war, reality shows that suck, generic ad campaigns and teaching, expression, media at the lowest common denominator that stifles independent thought. Polls are the antithesis of creativity.
2006-10-02 08:58:01 · answer #4 · answered by laylah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Polls reflect the uneducated mobs. The president should (on occassion) do what is right for the people, not what the people want. Much like it is the job and responsibility of parents to tell their children "no".
Doing the right thing is often unpopular, especially when people are not properly informed on the issues.
2006-10-02 08:55:39 · answer #5 · answered by Aegis of Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The president`s main job is to represents us "We the People" not to protect us. Yes the president can sign bills that will help protect us but the bills come from the people and polls are just one tool used to show how well the president is representing us.
2006-10-02 09:00:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Polls are biased and incorrect. Polls do not reflect the accurate state of mind of any people. They are used as an estimate.
2006-10-02 08:50:18 · answer #7 · answered by WarWolf 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Leaders should lead...not listen to the background chatter
2006-10-02 08:55:11 · answer #8 · answered by super.sweep 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all polls are controlled and so many can vote more than once. Also there is the purchased votes.
2006-10-02 08:48:26 · answer #9 · answered by nordic_winds1969 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Polls in general are easy to bias.
2006-10-02 08:48:33 · answer #10 · answered by Black Sabbath 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋