Why is it important to be able to measure public opinion accurately? What are some ways that politicians and interest groups use opinion polls?

Check your ability to evaluate a poll. Read the press release, then evaluate it by answering the questions below.
"Two years ago, the Kevin Jones for Senate Committee conducted a poll to measure public opinion on certain issues. They invited 100 people from the Jones for Senate mailing list to a special meeting with Mr. Jones. During the meeting, they polled the group using a written survey. Ninety-nine percent of the attendees answered YES to the question: Do you agree with Kevin Jones's official platform statements on education, health, and taxes? Based on these poll results, Mr. Jones clearly has a mandate to serve the people of our State as our next elected senator." —Press Release for Kevin Jones

Who is responsible for this poll and what is the group's goal?

What is the poll's sample?

How was the sample chosen?

Why is the poll being conducted?

When was the data collected?

Write a sentence or two summarizing your thoughts about the poll and its findings.