1. Public Policy
SOL 9a

2. Public Policy How the gov’t reacts to an issue
Examples: make a new law or allow the states to handle it.

3. The media informs policymakers and influences public policy.

4. Mass Media
T.V.
Radio
Newspapers
Internet

5. Players in the Policy-Making Process
Interest
Groups
Individuals
Media

6. Ways the Media play an important role in setting the public agenda
Focusing public attention on selected issues.
Offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated.
Holding gov’t officials accountable to the public

7. Government officials use the media to communicate with the public.

8. SOL 9b: How do individuals and interest groups shape public policy?
Individuals and interest groups influence public policy.

9. Term to Know:
Lobbying: Seeking to influence legislators to introduce or vote for or against a bill.
Lobbyists work at all levels of government.

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

11. Ways individuals influence public policy…continued
Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters)

12. Ways individuals influence public policy…continued
Joining interest groups

13. Ways interest groups influence public policy:
Identifying issues

14. Ways interest groups influence public policy…continued
Making political contributions

15. Ways interest groups influence public policy..continued
Lobbying government officials

16. SOL 9c: Impact of international events on local decision making
Local governments may be required to formulate, adopt, and implement policies in response to international issues and events

17. 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

18. Planning for public safety in the event of an act of terrorism.
International issues and events that would require policy decisions by local government officials could include the following…continued
Planning for public safety in the event of an act of terrorism.

19. International issues and events that would require policy decisions by local government officials could include the following…continued
Preparing economic development policies in response to the emerging global economy.

20. International issues and events that would require policy decisions by local government officials could include the following…continued
Implementing policies to protect the environment, e.g., wildlife conservation.

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