Populism (POP) Items

The following facets form the construct Populism (POP):
  1. Sovereignty of the People
  2. Anti-Pluralism
  3. Anti-Elitism
  4. Representative Gap
  5. Mistrust of Experts
  6. Manichean Outlook
  7. Protectionism
  8. Left Populism
Item Statement
Sovereignty_of_the_People1The politicians in Congress need to follow the will of the people
Sovereignty_of_the_People2Majority decisions must apply, even if they curtail minority rights
Sovereignty_of_the_People3If the majority of the population supports a political decision, it should be implemented by the government
Anti-Pluralism1In a democracy, it is important to make compromises among differing viewpoints
Anti-Pluralism2It is important to listen to the opinion of other groups
Anti-Pluralism3I like elected officials who make compromises with people they disagree with
Anti-Pluralism4[REV] I like elected officials who stick to their positions, even if some people think it is 'politically incorrect'.
Anti-Elitism1The particular interests of the political class negatively affect the wellbeing of the people
Anti-Elitism2Politicians always end up agreeing when it comes to protecting their privileges
Anti-Elitism3Elected officials talk too much and take too little action
Anti-Elitism4It doesn't actually matter who you vote for because the elites control the main political parties
Representative_Gap1Public officials don't care much about what people like me think
Representative_Gap2Elected officials in Washington lost touch with the people's needs
Representative_Gap3The system is stacked against people like me
Mistrust_of_Experts1I would rather be represented by a citizen than by a specialized politician
Mistrust_of_Experts2When it comes to really important questions, scientific facts don't help very much
Mistrust_of_Experts3I'd rather put my trust in the wisdom of ordinary people than the opinions of experts and intellectuals
Mistrust_of_Experts4[REV] Ordinary people can really use the help of experts to understand complicated things like science and health
Manichean_Outlook1Politics usually boils down to a struggle between the people and the powerful
Manichean_Outlook2In today's world there is a struggle between good and evil, and people must choose between one of the two.
Protectionism1The government should protect domestic markets, for example by taxing imports.
Protectionism2Borders should be closed for asylum seekers.
Protectionism3Even in times of recession, the government should invest in military defense.
Protectionism4Immigrants increase crime rates
Left_Populism1Income redistribution is more important than economic growth.
Left_Populism2Big corporations accumulate wealth by exploiting the people