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A new technique for gauging PO, designed to complement regular PO surveys, is discussed. The method is based on a refinement of the 'abrometer' areas or 'referendum' approach. 4 countries were selected, each with a record of accurately reflecting the sentiment of its area in the last 4 presidential elections. Election data for each county were carefully analyzed, & this information was then used to select 3 or more small units which, taken together, provided an accurate reflection of the whole county. In this way a referendum becomes manageable & yet produces enough ballots to provide a reliable result for the county. Voters were asked to check questions pro & con certain public issues. The results obtained passed certain tests for present-day representativeness. Both nat'l & regional results of a subsequent survey matched those obtained with the referendum method. It is felt that this technique requires less expertise & is less costly than a regular survey. It can be widely employed to shed light on the public's views on local issues & to illuminate, for the benefit of the representatives of the people, the state of PO on major issues confronting the nation. 2 Tables. Modified HA.

An address to the 1965 Conference of the Amer Assoc for PO Res, in which PO polls & improvements in their methodology since 1935 are evaluated, & various criticisms of the polls are answered, such as the charge that Gallup procedures are secret, the `bandwagon myth,' & the claim that pol'al candidates will follow poll results blindly to get re-elected. Positive aspects of the polls, are pointed out, ie, they inform leaders of the views of the people, help to thwart pressure groups, & find out how ready the public is for any new measure of the gov. In conclusion, it is hoped that modern polls will lift gov to a higher level by showing that the public supports reforms, providing a modus operandi for testing new ideas, & helping to reduce `Congressional lag.' Polls can help make gov more efficient, improve the quality of candidates for public office, & create a truer democracy. M. Maxfield.

The demand for PO polls has increased greatly in numbers & somewhat in sophistication during the past 20 yrs. Criticism has come heavily from academic circles; support largely from the layman. Polling errors, in 1948 strengthened the position of surveys in the long run, & were partially responsible for the good showing made by the polls in 1956. IPSA.