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- Title
HOW DOES THE VOTER MAKE UP HIS MIND?
- Authors
Herring, E. Pendleton
- Abstract
This article reports important conclusions regarding the possible influence of group membership and individual attributes on political opinions. It is based on the findings of a survey conducted with the assistance of the National League of Women Voters. There are more than two sides to the issue of improving government personnel. The questionnaire first tested opinion with reference to partisan appointments for particular jobs and then with reference to specific proposals for change. A very high percentage oppose political appointments, but a very low proportion agree on a program for reform. Thus it is clear that the mere presence of opinion condemning evils does not insure the support of proposals for positive change. This latter is a separate and distinct problem with many different facets. There is clearly a strong body of opinion opposed to partisanship in appointments. The spoils system has long been regarded as a great evil. The question of the future, however, is not what is evil, but what is needed and what is possible.
- Subjects
POLITICAL science; CIVIL service reform; VOTING registers; PUBLIC opinion; POLITICAL patronage; CIVIL service
- Publication
Public Opinion Quarterly, 1938, Vol 2, Issue 1, p24
- ISSN
0033-362X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1086/265150