Definition
Approval ratings are survey estimates of public satisfaction with presidents, governors, mayors, legislators, or institutions.
Political Dictionary
Approval Rating
An approval rating measures the share of people who approve of an official’s job performance.
Why It Matters
They influence political strength, fundraising, party strategy, and reelection prospects.
How It Works
Pollsters ask respondents whether they approve or disapprove and report weighted percentages.
History
Job-approval polling became a standard measure with the growth of modern public-opinion research.
Example
A president may have a 48 percent approval rating in a national survey.
Common Misconceptions
- Approval rating is the same as vote share.
- Everyone who approves will vote for the official.
- One poll gives the exact true rating.
Related Terms
- Favorability Rating
- Opinion Poll
- Tracking Poll
- Pollster
- Public Opinion
Related Topics
See Also