Which of the following is considered an agent of political socialization?

The concept of political socialization refers to the process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and behaviors. It encompasses various agents that influence this process, such as family, schools, media, peers, and political institutions.

Income, while it may have an indirect influence on political beliefs and voter behavior, is not categorized as an agent of political socialization. It reflects a person's economic status and can affect political opinions by shaping experiences and perspectives, but it does not actively socialize individuals into political ideologies or behaviors.

Political parties serve as direct agents of political socialization by promoting specific ideologies and mobilizing voters around those beliefs. Federal agencies, through policies and implementation of laws, can also influence political attitudes, though they function more as institutions than socializers. Census data provides valuable demographic information but does not inherently play a role in the socialization process. Thus, political parties are strong agents of political socialization, actively engaging individuals and groups in political life.