Unit 2: Govt Sys & Politics Propaganda & Public Opinion

Public Opinion & Recognition Candidates want people to like them & recognize their name Public opinion – opinions held by people about different issues & candidates Measured with poll (survey) Influenced by many things – mass media, propaganda, other people Can change how people view candidates

Media & Propaganda Candidates use to shape public opinion Mass media – newspaper, magazines, TV, radio, internet Propaganda – ideas spread to try and influence people Concealed & revealed 6 different propaganda techniques Testimonial/Endorsements Bandwagon Name calling Glittering generalities Plain-folks appeal Card stacking

Propaganda Techniques

The use of a celebrity to support a candidate Endorsements The use of a celebrity to support a candidate

Using “peer pressure” to motivate voters “Everyone else is voting for Candidate B, you should too!” Bandwagon Using “peer pressure” to motivate voters

The act of placing a negative label on the opponent Name Calling “Candidate A doesn’t care about our soldiers overseas! Is that the kind of president you want?!” The act of placing a negative label on the opponent

Using statements that sound good but are generally meaningless Glittering Generalities “I will bring peace and prosperity to our country!” Using statements that sound good but are generally meaningless

Presenting the image that candidates are just like the rest of us Plain Folks Appeal Presenting the image that candidates are just like the rest of us

Presenting only one side of an issue; positives for only one side Card Stacking “I have the best record on the environment and care about it more than Candidate A!” Presenting only one side of an issue; positives for only one side

Use of symbols that appeal to voters, often patriotic “I pledge allegiance to the flag…” Use of symbols that appeal to voters, often patriotic