Testing the Limits of Elite Influence on Public Opinion: An Examination of Sports Facility Referendums

Paul, David M., Brown, Clyde, Political Research Quarterly

A great deal of scholarly research has demonstrated that elites have considerable influence over the preference formation process of individuals. What scholars understand less is just how far the influence of elites extends. We test the potential limits of elite influence by examining the public opinion dynamics that surrounded referendums raising local taxes to finance the construction of new professional sports stadiums and arenas in the United States from 1984 to August 2000. Our research concludes that the shape of elite opinion does indeed matter, with a united elite positively affecting the likelihood that referendums will be approved. An independent effect for the degree of elite …

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Publication information: Article title: Testing the Limits of Elite Influence on Public Opinion: An Examination of Sports Facility Referendums. Contributors: Paul, David M. - Author, Brown, Clyde - Author. Journal title: Political Research Quarterly. Volume: 54. Issue: 4 Publication date: December 2001. Page number: 871+. © 2002 Political Research Quarterly. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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