What Is the Relationship Between Public Opinion and Elite Actions

question 51

Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between public opinion and elite actions?

• A) Elite policy is always a reflection of public attitudes.
• B) Elite policy is never a reflection of public attitudes.
• C) Elite policy is sometimes shaped by public attitudes.
• D) The relationships between the two have not been fully investigated by international relations scholars.
• E) Elite policy always creates supportive public attitudes.

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Definitions:

Mental Shortcuts

Heuristic methods or simple strategies used by individuals to make decisions or judgments quickly without having to consider all possible variables, often resulting in cognitive biases.

Consolidating Memories

The process by which memories become stable in the brain; a phase where short-term memories are transformed into long-term memories.

Experiential System

A cognitive processing system that operates based on experiences, emotions, and intuitions rather than analytical reasoning.

Cognitive System

A cognitive system refers to the mental processes and structures involved in perception, thinking, reasoning, and understanding.