NCJ Number
123306
Journal
Political Psychology Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 725-744
Date Published
1989
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study deals with "political linkage", which is defined as the means by which political leaders act so that the needs, wants, and demands of the public are made into government policy.
Abstract
The study is based on two attitude surveys (1) a sample of the general public, and (2) a sample of members of the legislative assembly of Northern Ireland. Each survey used the same questions which enabled the researchers to evaluate issue conflicts and consensus among citizens and elites. The civil violence that has plagued Northern Ireland for seventeen years has produced a marked polarization between political parties as well as an homogenization of attitudes within parties. The findings show the nature of disagreement between citizens and party leaders and helps shed light on why some legislative systems collapse. 5 tables, 31 references. (Author abstract modified)