1. Public Policy
SOL 9a

2. The media informs policymakers and influences public policy.

3. Mass Media
T.V.
Radio
Newspapers
Internet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Other important terms

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

13. Poll
A public opinion survey.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Public Policy
SOL 9b

17. Individuals and interest groups influence public policy.

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

19. 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.

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

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

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

23. How do individuals influence public policy?
Joining interest groups

24. Ways interest groups influence public policy
Identifying issues

25. Ways interest groups influence public policy
Making political contributions

26. Ways interest groups influence public policy
Lobbying government officials

27. Other important terms and Reminders

28. 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.

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

30. 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.

31. 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).

32. Analyzing Political Cartoons

33. Public Policy
SOL 9c

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

35. 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

36. 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.

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

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

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

40. Review Quiz

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

42. Where are city powers listed?
Charters

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

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

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

46. Where can individuals have the greatest influence on government?
Locally