Public Opinion and Dynamic Representation in the American States: The Case of Environmental Attitudes*

摘要: Objective. We investigate causal processes linking environmental conditions, attitudes, and policies in the American states: Is public opinion about ecology shaped by conditions? Are state policymakers responsive to opinions? Does respond policy adoption? Methods. Using data from DDB Worldwide Life Style Survey measure aggregate attitudes environment, as well measures of water quality intervention, we capture dynamics representation states on environment during late 1980s early 1990s. Results. Our findings support a thermostatic model representation—state opinions are influenced conditions outputs alongside improved conditions. Conclusions. This opinion-policy linkage refines our understanding focuses us not just passage address desires, but effectiveness that well.