Congruence between public opinion and congressional actions on energy issues, 1973-1974
This paper analyzes the correspondence between public opinion on energy issues during and immediately after the oil embargo and the energy policies acted on by Congress. The purpose of the study is to identify some of the conditions under which congruence between public opinion and public policy is likely to occur. Representatives were found to act contrary to public preferences only when they believed they were more knowledgeable than the public. In general, representatives' actions were congruent with public opinion on issues where public feeling was widespread and intense, when there was a clear majority preference, and when an interactive process had taken place involving public response to a governmental initiative. When the public was divided, representatives tended to divide or postponed resolution of the issue. This study suggests a number of other possible conditions affecting congruence related to crisis situations, new problems, and the direction of public opinion.
- Research Organization:
- Department of Political Science California State College San Bernardino, California
- OSTI ID:
- 6836003
- Journal Information:
- Energy Syst. Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Syst. Policy; (United States) Vol. 7:2; ISSN ESYPB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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