International Politics on the World Stage 8th Ed.

Attitudes in Foreign Policy Decision Making

Public opinion can influence foreign policy decision making in both direct and indirect ways. You can directly influence government policy by protesting, writing letters to government officials, boycotting the use of certain products, or expressing your opinion in polls and surveys. Indirectly you can influence government policy by voting for candidates for public office. Elected officials have specific ideas on issues of foreign policy, so by voting for individuals you also vote for policies. Elected officials also are concerned about public opinion, especially in an election year, so your voice has a good chance of being heard at that time. They also know that foreign policy has a better chance of succeeding when it is supported by public opinion at home. Thus, your opinion does count and can have an influence on foreign policy decision making.

To determine how you feel about certain issues of foreign policy, take the following survey.

1. It would be best for the future of the United States if we take an active part in world affairs.: Yes; No; Undecided

2. I would favor the use of U.S. troops if Russia invaded Western Europe.: Yes; No; Undecided

3. I would favor the use of U.S. troops if Arab forces invaded Israel.: Yes; No; Undecided

4. I would favor the use of U.S. troops if the people in Cuba attempted to overthrow the Castro dictatorship.: Yes; No; Undecided

5. The United States has a vital interest in Egypt.: Yes; No; Undecided

6. The United States has a vital interest in Haiti.: Yes; No; Undecided

7. The United States has a vital interest in France.: Yes; No; Undecided

8. A very important U.S. foreign policy goal should be stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.: Yes; No; Undecided

9. A very important U.S. foreign policy goal should be protecting the jobs of American workers.: Yes; No; Undecided

10. A very important U.S. foreign policy goal should be controlling and reducing illegal immigration.: Yes; No; Undecided

11. A very important U.S. foreign policy goal should be protecting the interests of American businesses abroad.: Yes; No; Undecided

Note:
You may want to print this out before you submit it to record your answers.