Muddy Waters and Perception of Representative Issue Positions: Constituent Ignorance, Delusion or Rationality

Abstract

There is some evidence of the impact of public opinion on policy-making, however little research examines how the public’s perspective develops. Although some scholars have cast doubt on the public’s ability to make a credible impact on policy because of a lack of knowledge, recent research reveals some surprising evidence of public attention despite the actions of ambiguous politicians. While policy perceptions of constituents are not fully accurate, there are a number of factors at work—the use of heuristic cues, some actual knowledge of stances, projection and false consensus. Individuals who are less well informed are more likely to be guided by personal opinion than objective reality. The results reveal constituents with some savvy, but who are also subject to the influence of rhetoric and misinformation.