Public Policy Day 2

Definition of Public Policy  Public policy : the action the government takes to address an issue, solve a problem, or meet the needs and wishes of the citizens.  What Public Policy includes : Policy includes all of the goals that a government pursues in the many areas of human affairs in which it is involved – everything from seat belts, speed limits, zoning for flood control, old-age pensions, and the use of military force in international affairs.

 Intro Video: (Fast forward near 6:15) sA5yVSY sA5yVSY

 Ideology - Ideology helps to shape public policy. It is a set of basic beliefs about life, culture, government, and society.  How is ideology formed? Why do you think the way you do?

 What are interest groups?  An interest group is a private organization that tries to persuade public officials (Legislative branch and Executive Branch) to respond to the shared attitudes of its members.

Ways individuals influence public policy Participating in politics (e.g., voting, campaigning, seeking office) Expressing opinions (e.g., lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters, blogging, speaking at public meetings, petitioning, meeting with public officials) Joining interest groups or political parties

Ways interest groups/lobbyists influence public policy Identifying issues Stimulating interest in public affairs Working to build a positive image for the group Organizing individuals of likeminded interests Providing useful information to government officials Lobbying to persuade policymakers to share an interest group’s point of view Making political contributions Monitoring the policymaking and regulatory processes Organizing communities of like interests

Participants in the Public Policy Process  Participants in the policy process include elected officials, political leaders, interest groups, the media, and individual citizens.  Members of the Legislative Branch  Members of the Executive Branch  Interest Groups  And YOU!!!!!

Policy Letter  Write a letter to a politician of your choosing advocating for one of the public policy areas listed below. Push for your stance on the issues and why it might help society. You can write the letter from the point of view of yourself or you can represent an interest group, use page to assist you in your letter. (1-2 pages) Death penalty, illegal immigration, Democracy, socialized medicine, Welfare, Homelessness, Pollution, Gun control, Religion, Gay Marriage, Illegal Drugs, Defense Spending

Policy Issues  What level is this public policy issue: local, state, national, or international?  Who are the actors?  What is the issue  What will be needed to meet the needs and wishes of the people involved (CREATE A DETAILED PLAN)

Local, National, International   set-on-prince-william-deer-population/article_586507ca- b74c-11e3-a bb2963f4.html   

Creating your own public policy  government-and-politics/american- government/public-policy/section1.rhtml government-and-politics/american- government/public-policy/section1.rhtml

Creating your own Public Policy  The national agenda  Formulation  Adoption  Implementation  Evaluation

 Bill Gates Quote

Beginning Interest groups  Page 234

Public Policy Quotes  Governments will always play a huge part in solving big problems. They set public policy and are uniquely able to provide the resources to make sure solutions reach everyone who needs them. They also fund basic research, which is a crucial component of the innovation that improves life for everyone. Governments will always play a huge part in solving big problems. They set public policy and are uniquely able to provide the resources to make sure solutions reach everyone who needs them. They also fund basic research, which is a crucial component of the innovation that improves life for everyone.   Bill Gates Bill Gates