Gallup Poll: Using the Internet to Learn about the Influence of Public Opinion in Politics

Abstract

The author discusses how high school civics teachers can use the Gallup Poll Web site to teach students about the influence of public opinion in politics. The author describes his firsthand experiences using the Web site with high school students. He emphasizes the need for teachers to structure higher-level thinking questions instead of having students passively view the Web site's information. Examples are given to make the lesson user friendly to readers who intend to use the Web site in their civics classrooms. Teachers and students can use the Web site to investigate public opinion on domestic or foreign issues facing the United States. As a result, teachers can provide teachable moments on the role of public opinion—in particular, how public opinion influences decisions made by incumbents and those seeking office.