Public Policy SOL 9a

The media informs policymakers and influences public policy.

Mass Media T.V. Radio Newspapers Internet

Mass Media Is made up of various forms of communication that transmits information to large numbers of people.

Public Policy How individuals, interest groups and the media influence the actions of the government.

Players in the Policy-Making Process Interest Groups Individuals Media

Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda Focusing public attention on selected issues.

Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda Offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated.

Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda Holding government officials accountable to the public.

Government officials use the media to communicate with the public.

Other important terms

Public Opinion The total of opinions held concerning a particular issue.

Poll A public opinion survey.

Make a bar graph of your findings. Practice Poll: What do you consider the most important problem in America today? War in the Middle East Terrorism Social Security Gas prices Health Care The Economy ???? Make a bar graph of your findings.

Remember… Many of the ideas in the mass media are directed at us for a purpose. Someone or some group is urging us to – buy something, believe something, or to act in a certain way.

Public Policy SOL 9b

Individuals and interest groups influence public policy.

What is lobbying? Seeking to influence legislators to introduce or vote for or against a bill. Lobbyists work at all levels of government.

What is a lobbyist? Lobbyists are paid by interest groups to represent a particular issue. Lobbyists may be former members of the legislature, lawyers, public relations experts, journalists, or specialists in particular fields.

Lobbyists Are required to reveal who they work for and how much money they spend in lobbying.

Ways individuals influence public policy Participating in politics (voting, campaigning, seeking office)

How do individuals influence public policy? Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters)

How do individuals influence public policy? Joining interest groups

Ways interest groups influence public policy Identifying issues

Ways interest groups influence public policy Making political contributions

Ways interest groups influence public policy Lobbying government officials

Other important terms and Reminders

Interest Groups Interest groups: -Differ in size, goals and budget -Attempt to influence both the government and public opinion -Hire lobbyists to represent their interests An interest group is an organization of people with common interests who try to influence gov’t policy and decisions.

Interest Groups Describe the differences of opinion that may occur between interest groups with regard to the minimum wage law? Employees vs. Business Owners

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Business associations, labor unions, veteran’s organizations, etc. Issue-Oriented Interest Groups They focus on a specific issue or cause. Examples: NAACP, NOW Public Interest Groups Promote the interests of the general public rather than just one part of it. These groups protect consumers, wildlife, and the environment.

Interest Groups Federal law prohibits interest groups from contributing money directly to political candidates, but they can contribute indirectly through political action committees (PAC’s).

Analyzing Political Cartoons

Public Policy SOL 9c

Local governments may be required to formulate, adopt, and implement policies in response to international issues and events

Responding to public health concerns in the event of a pandemic International issues and events that would require policy decisions by local government officials could include the following: Responding to public health concerns in the event of a pandemic

Which international issues and events would require local gov’t officials to act? Planning for public safety in the event of an act of terrorism.

Which international issues and events would require local gov’t officials to act? Preparing economic development policies in response to the emerging global economy.

Which international issues and events would require local gov’t officials to act? Implementing policies to protect the environment, e.g., wildlife conservation.

The Policy-Making Process Interest Groups Individuals Media Policy-Makers Local, State, National, & International Issues

Review Quiz

Where do powers of the local governments come from in Virginia? Virginia Constitution Acts of the General Assembly

Where are city powers listed? Charters

Why do counties, towns, and cities adopt and enforce ordinances? To provide services for their residents

What is the local legislative body for counties? Board of Supervisors

What is the legislative body for a town or city? Council

Where can individuals have the greatest influence on government? Locally