How do Political Parties, Citizens, Media, & Interest Groups Play A Role In Decisions, Conflict Resolution, & Gov’t Action? J. Worley Civics

The Role of Citizens  Local Initiative –When enough citizens in a certain community sign a petition to force a vote on an issue of local importance  Written request by citizens asking that the government take certain action –Very influential in getting things done within a local environment

The Role of Citizens (cont.)  Local Referendums –When an entire community’s electorate is asked to vote on a proposal –Can be a new law or to change an existing law –Bond Issues  Can be voted upon to raise money for such things as hospitals, schools, etc.

Public Policies Governments response to public issues –These all fall under this  Special Interest Groups –Advocacy Groups from one side of a particular issue –MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving)  Helped win the passage of tougher DUI laws –The Sierra Club  Fought for environmental legislation –NRA (National Rifle Association)  Devotes its energies to defending its interpretation of the 2 nd Amendment

The Role of Politics  These are controversial ways politics gets involved in education  Tuition Vouchers –Students can attend a private school with the help of public funding –The school can give the voucher to the gov’t to help assist in the education of the child  Charter Schools –Receive public money but have been freed from some of the regulations on public schools in exchange for some accountability in results as set in each school charter

The Role of Media  Electronic Media –TV, radio, the Internet, etc. has arguably had the most impact due to its ability to portray moving images of events as well as communicate and update information quickly –Most of them like to focus on the controversial things in society –Looking at normal, everyday life is mundane to them

The Role of Political Parties  Voting –There thoughts and platforms help persuade people into voting for what they think is right –Laws and statues resemble the feelings of what each party wants –Getting out and canvassing and having a grassroots effort can sometime persuade people into voting for a certain candidate