Final answer:
Polls influence agenda setting by highlighting issues the public and politicians consider important, with media coverage guiding public perception. The framing of questions can impact opinions, as shown by different responses to terms like 'estate tax' vs. 'death tax'. Lastly, public opinion from polls can drive policy changes, as seen in health care reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polls play a significant role in agenda setting, a process that determines the public policy process and the issues that the public and politicians deem important. This is because media coverage can influence public perception by choosing which topics to highlight, contributing to societal views and actions.
For example, despite a decrease in crime rates, the public may still perceive crime as a pressing issue if the media continues to focus on assault and other offenses. Additionally, the framing of questions and terms used in polling can greatly impact public opinion and the outcome of polls.
The term "estate tax" was perceived in a more neutral or even acceptable manner, whereas the term "death tax" sparked heated debate and disapproval of the very same tax. Such differences in terminology can shift public perception and ultimately influence policy decisions.