Do Political Parties Do Anything Good to Public Opinion?

Do Political Parties Do Anything Good to Public Opinion?

Many are concerned that cues from political parties lead citizens to “blindly” support policies of their party, dismiss facts and arguments not favorable to their party, and voice animosity towards members of opposing partisan groups. This presentation explores the reverse perspective: that parties help citizens to get informed about policy substance and to make enlightened political choices consonant with their values. Evidence from a series of experimental and panel surveys suggest parties might play a more constructive and informative role in democracy than they are usually credited for in existing research.

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