unit 5: chapters 10 &11 political influence. what influences government? public opinion lobbyist...

Unit 5: Chapters 10 &11Political Influence

What Influences Government?

Public Opinion

LobbyistMass Media

Interest Groups

Propaganda

Where does Public Opinion Come From?

Mass Media gives off powerful

images

Interest groups try to

persuade people to their point

of view

Personal background

such as: age, gender, race, religion, income,

location, family, etc.

Components of Public Opinion

• Direction= Public opinion is positive/ negative

• Intensity= Strength of opinion on a given issue

• Stability= How firmly people hold their views– Less likely to change

Media’s Impact on Politics & Government

Elected Officials 1. use the media to show: hard

working & communicate information

2. Press Secretary sets-up conferences, interviews, &

media events.3. Provide leaks to test the publics

reaction

Make it possible for

people to run, who might have

not done so.

Set public agenda to influence problems thegovernment considers

important

Media’s Impact on Politics & Government

Play a watchdog role to expose government

waste & corruption

Attacks the government when it comes to national security ;because of the tension for citizens need for information & USA

need for government to keep secrets to protect the nation, its people, & programs.

Propaganda• A lot of money spent on

creating the perfect image.• Local campaigns hang

poster & give newspaper ads

• State/ National campaigns mainly use TV– Each ad is 30 seconds &

can be viewed as unfair, but most effective

– Canvassing – door to door asking for votes, taking public opinion polls All done in hopes,

to sway a persons vote

Propaganda Techniques Campaigns Use

Endorsements

Name-Calling

Glittering GeneralitySymbols

Stacked Cards

Bandwagon

Just Plain Folks

Influencing Government: Lobbying

Job is volunteer/ paid, &lobbyist basically persuade

officials to support their interest.

Government Uses:1. Information resource2. Suggest solutions to

problems3. Draft bills

4. Testify in legislative hearings5. Make sure laws are carried out, enforced,

or upheld in court

To prevent an un-fair advantage, inside information, or illegal actions the

government has placed regulations on all lobbyist

How Do Interest Groups Influence Government?

Pool resources, increase chances

of influencing decision makers.

Affect public policy

Bring Cases to Court

Use political resources &

PACsto support candidates

Types of Interest Groups

Age:AARP

Issues:Sierra Club, National Rifle Association,

Motion Picture Association of America, &National Education Association of the USA

Economic:US Chamber of Commerce

& Tobacco Institute

Ethnicity: NAACP & Hispanic

America-USA

Gender:National

Organization For Women

Labor Unions:American Federation

of Labor & American Medical

Association