Presentation Pro © 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. Magruder’s American Government C H A P T E R 8 and Chapter 9

123 Go To Section: Public opinion can be described as those attitudes held by a significant number of people on matters of government and politics. Chapter 8, Section What is Public Opinion? Different Publics The United States is made up of many groups, or publics, who share common news. Public Affairs Public affairs are those events and issues that concern the public at large. In its proper sense, public opinion includes only those views that relate to public affairs. Public Opinions More than one public opinion can exist at the same time, because there are many publics. A view or position must be expressed in the open in order to be a public opinion.

123 Go To Section: Family and Education The Family Children first see the political world from within the family and through the family’s eyes. The strong influence the family has on the development of political opinions is due to the large amount of time children spend with the family. Chapter 8, Section The Schools Children acquire political knowledge throughout their time in the classroom. Students are taught about political systems, patriotism, and great Americans. Some are even required to take a course on government in high school. Many factors influence our political opinions and political socialization over the course of a lifetime.

123 Go To Section: Other Factors Influencing Public Opinion Chapter 8, Section Mass Media The mass media include those means of communication that reach large, widely dispersed audiences (masses of people) simultaneously. The mass media has a huge effect on the formation of public opinion. Peer Groups Peer groups are made up of the people with whom one regularly associates, including friends, classmates, neighbors, and co-workers. Opinion Leaders An opinion leader is any person who, for any reason, has an unusually strong influence on the views of others. Historic Events Historic events can have a major impact on public opinion. The Great Depression is one event that shaped the political views and opinions of a generation.

123 Go To Section: Chapter 8, Section Measuring Public Opinion Elections Candidates who win an election are said to have a mandate, or a command from the electorate, to carry out campaign promises. In reality, however, election results are seldom an accurate measure of public opinion. Interest Groups Interest groups are private organizations whose members share certain views and work to shape public policy. Interest groups are a chief means by which public opinion is made known. Try to get people to respond to their shared attitudes The Media The media are frequently described as “mirrors” as well as “molders” of opinion.

123 Go To Section: Chapter 8, Section Polls—The Best Measure Straw Votes A straw vote is a method of polling that seeks to read the public’s mind simply by asking the same question of a large number of people. The straw-vote technique is highly unreliable, however. Public opinion is best measured by public opinion polls, devices that attempt to collect information about attitudes and viewpoints by asking people questions. Scientific Polling There are now more than 1,000 national and regional polling organizations in this country, with at least 200 of these polling political preferences.

123 Go To Section: The Role of Mass Media Four major mass media are particularly important in American politics: Chapter 8, Section Television 2.Newspapers 3.Radio 4.Magazines Mass Media Tells Americans which issues to focus on!

Presentation Pro © 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. Magruder’s American Government C H A P T E R 9 Interest Groups

123 Go To Section: The Role of Interest Groups Chapter 9, Section Interest groups are private organizations whose members share certain views and work to shape public policy. Public policy includes all of the goals a government sets and the various courses of action it pursues as it attempts to realize these goals. Interest groups exist to shape public policy.

123 Go To Section: Criticisms Some groups have an influence far out of proportion to their size or importance. It can be difficult to tell who or how many people are served by a group. Groups do not always represent the views of the people they claim to speak for. In rare cases, groups use tactics such as bribery, threats, and so on. Chapter 9, Section

123 Go To Section: Membership in Labor Unions Chapter 9, Section

123 Go To Section: Interest Groups apply pressure to Govnt. In the following ways: 1) Propaganda 2) Lobbying 3) Contributing to political campaigns through their PACs

123 Go To Section: Propaganda Chapter 9, Section Propaganda is a technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors. Its goal is to create a particular belief which may be true or false.

123 Go To Section: Influencing Parties and Elections Chapter 9, Section Political Action Committees (PACs) raise and distribute money to candidates who will further their goals.

123 Go To Section: Lobbying Lobbying is any activity by which a group pressures legislators and influences the legislative process. Nearly all important organized interest groups maintain lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Chapter 9, Section

123 Go To Section: Lobbyists at Work Lobbyists use several techniques: They send articles, reports, and other information to officeholders. They rate candidates and publicize the ratings. They make campaign contributions. Chapter 9, Section