Influencing the Government How do WE influence the government? How does the government influence US?

I. Influencing Government a. Two major groups influence our government…

I. Individuals Government 1. Individuals Contributing to or working on campaigns Running for Elections Voting in Elections Petitions Public Opinion = all the different ideas and attitudes that people have about elected officials, candidates, government, and political issues

I. Influencing Government 2. Interest Group = a group of people who share a point of view about an issue * This is not a part of the government they are individual people! Work towards influencing public opinion by persuading people – including public officials – toward their point of view Interest groups are biased – supporting a particular viewpoint or idea

Types of Interest Groups Economic (ex. Chamber of Commerce, Labor Unions) Try to influence government decisions on issues that affect their industries ex: Labor unions work for the economic interests of workers

Types of Interest Groups Public (ex. Common Cause) Support the causes that affect the lives of Americans in general, rather than just the special interest of their own members

Types of Interest Groups Other People have also organized to promote an ethnic group, age group, gender, or special causes

II. Ways Interest Groups affect Public Policy (Laws) a. Three ways interest groups influence others… Election Activities Going to Court Lobbying Lawmakers

II. The Influence of Interest Groups 1. Election Activities Political Action Committees (PACs) are organizations set up by interest groups primarily to collect money to support favored candidates The purpose of PACs is to get as many financial contributions as possible for a candidate that they favor

II. The Influence of Interest Groups 2. Going to Court Interest Groups influence public policy by bringing cases to court Distracted Driving

I. The Influence of Interest Groups 3. Lobbying Lawmakers Lobbyists are representatives of interest groups who contact lawmakers or other government officials directly to influence their policy making

III. Techniques of Influence a. Propaganda – an attempt to promote a particular person or idea Often found in print or electronic media

III. Techniques of Influence B. Types of Propaganda Endorsements Stacked Cards Name – Calling Glittering Generality Transfer Symbols Just Plain Folks The Bandwagon

III. Techniques of Influence 1. Endorsements - “I’m voting for Candidate A and so should you.” 2. Stacked Cards - “Candidate A has the best record on the environment” 3. Name – Calling - “Candidate A is a dangerous extremist”

Types of Propaganda 4. Glittering Generality - “Candidate A is the one who will bring us peace and prosperity” 5. Transfer Symbols - “I pledge allegiance…..”

Types of Propaganda 6. Just Plain Folks - “My parents were ordinary, hardworking people…” 7. The Bandwagon - “Polls show our candidate is pulling ahead”

IV. Propaganda Regulations a. Laws limit the amount of money PACs may contribute to candidates b. Lobbyists must state who hired them, their salary, and how they spend their work money c. Federal and state laws require a waiting period before former government officials can become lobbyists

V. Media’s Influence a. There are two types of media -that contribute: - Print – newspapers, magazines, newsletters and books. - Electronic media – radio, television, and the Internet (social networking, Facebook, Twitter)

V. Media’s Influence b. Media’s Impact on the Gov’t: 1. Public Agenda – the ideas and issues that receive the most amount of time, money and effort.

V. Media’s Influence 2. Candidates and Elections Media is making it possible for some people to run who may have never done so in an earlier time due to exposure. (celebrities and sports figures)

V. Media’s Influence 3. Elected Officials Politicians rely on exposure from the media: - Press conferences - Media events - Interviews - Leaked information to test public reaction

V. Media’s Influence 4. Watchdog Role Journalists are eager to expose government corruption and waste

V. Media’s Influence 5. Media and National Security There are tensions regarding American citizens’ right to know and the need for the government to protect national security Wikileaks

VI. Protecting the Media/Media Bias a. The First Amendment “Freedom of the Press” b. Prior Restraint – government censorship of material before it is published c. It is not completely unlimited, no one can publish false information that will harm someone’s reputation (libel)

VI. Protecting the Media/Media Bias d. Bias – or prejudice – in the news is a topic for debate e. The bias of the interest group helps determine how it sees the media

VI. Protecting the Media/Media Bias f. Fewer Americans rely on the three major networks and their local newspapers Many receive their news from a variety of sources (ex. Cable, Internet)

VII. Stay Informed a. To know the most accurate information about a candidate, look at his/her voting history or views on important issues b. DO YOUR RESEARCH!