Measuring Public Opinion

Today’s Objective

After today’s lesson, students will be able to… Explain how public opinion is measured, how effective it is,

and whether it should be used to determine public policy.

Essential Skill Explicitly assess information and data

Interest Groups and Lobbying

Main purpose is to shape public policy

Interest groups hold considerable power in Washington D.C.

They recruit members to become involved in affecting government

Wide variety of interest groups

The majority of interest groups are based on economic interest

Measuring Public Opinion

Work in groups to answer the first part of the questions

When you’ve finished come get an iPad and follow the directions on the backside of your sheet

Reflection

What are the value of polls? Dangers?

What is the power of public opinion?

What did you find interesting?

Should public opinion drive public policy? Why or why not?