Jennie+Albright

__POLITICAL TOLERANCE__ I have a moderate level of political tolerance. There are some opinions that I flat out disagree with, but for the most part I am able to keep my disgust to myself and allow others to exercise their first amendment right. I would allow the atheist, communist, racist and terrorists to speak, but that doesn't mean I would agree, and i certainly wouldn't tolerate any kind of violence as a means of "freedom of speech". Everyone has a right to their own opinions. There are probably a lot of people who disagree with me on many social issues. I wouldn't expect everyone to agree with me but I also believe I should be allowed to think what I want to. I don't try to force my ideas on others and I don't appreciate others forcing theirs on me.

__POLITICAL TRUST__ A. I would say I have a fairly high level of political trust in government institutions, especially in the Supreme Court. I believe members of the Supreme Court make their decisions based on the constitution and not based on personal gain. As for the congress, I think they do have America's best interests in mind even if they don't always follow public opinion. Overall, I believe those in the government try to do what is best for the country. C. In generally, I think American policies are headed in the right direction. In the past, policies were not fair to minorities and women and today it is still not equal but I trust that the government is working towards more equality. I think there are generally two groups of people; those who trust the government to do the right thing, and those that don't trust it at all. I fit in with the first group.

__POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION__ My first political memory is the 2000 election between George Bush and Al Gore. I went with my dad to vote and I voted for Bush in the kids election but I really didn't know anything about the candidates or even what it meant to be a republican or democrat. My republican parents have probably had the biggest impact on me. My race, religion and region also push me to be more conservative.

__IDEOLOGY__ I would consider myself a fairly strong conservative both socially and economically. Religion probably plays a larger role in my ideology than in most people's. On the issue of abortion, I'm prolife because I believe life begins at conception. For the same reason I'm against stem cell research. My parents' conservative and "old school" ideals have also influenced me. I think government involvement in the economy should be limited and a competative free market is the best economy. Taxes should be kept low in order to encourage people to work hard and come up with new ideas.

__POLITICAL EFFICACY__ To be honest, at this point in my life I'd say I have fairly low internal efficacy. I don't think I know enough about politics or the American government to make a very informed vote. When I am able to vote, I will definitely take the time to research the candidates and at that point I believe I will have a higher amount of political efficacy. As for external politically efficacy, mine is somewhat high. I do believe people can make a difference in the government, not necessarily through voting but through interest groups and other means. I do believe people can make their voices heard and the government will respond.