A Gallop poll asked the following two questions:
∙ Do you favor a property tax cut or "increased spending on other local government programs?" Result: 89% for the tax cut.
∙ Do you favor a property tax cut or "spending to fund new and improved sewer systems, sidewalks, and streets?" Result: 71% for the spending.
Tell why the two questions produced seemingly contradictory results. How could the results of the questions be used selectively by various groups?
◦ The first question refers only to "governmental programs" which are generally very popular. The second question lists specific programs that are generally very unpopular. Groups opposing tax cuts would be likely to cite the first question, and groups favoring tax cuts would be more likely to cite the results of the second question.
◦ The first question refers only to "governmental programs" which many people consider to be generally wasteful. The second question lists specific programs that are generally very popular. Groups favoring tax cuts would be likely to cite the first question, and groups opposed to tax cuts would be more likely to cite the results of the second question.