HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON1 CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT Chapter 11 The Political System Section...

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON1

CIVICS IN PRACTICEHOLT

Chapter 11

The Political System

Section 1:Shaping Public OpinionSection 2:Interest GroupsSection 3:Taking Part in Government



The Main Idea

Political leaders and interest groups find many ways to shape public opinion and influence

the beliefs of American citizens.

Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion



People’s opinions are influenced by Family, friends, schools, and interest groups. Gender and ethnicity Peer Groups Religion Information from mass media: television,

newspapers, magazines, radio, and the Internet.





People’s opinions are influenced by (continued)

Political scientists call this political socialization



Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat is public opinion and how is it shaped?

Is defined as the sum of many individual opinions about a public person or issue

In studying the question of public opinion three major areas are considered.




Public opinion is shaped by special interest groups. Political scholars believe public opinions is more

about what interest groups people associate with rather than independent ideas.

Large groups speak and represent individuals. Can you think of an interest group?




Public opinion is shaped by journalists, politicians, and other opinion makers. Because most Americans don’t have time to research each

issue or political figure they are interested in, they rely on other people to do the research for them

The authors of the articles, newspapers, blogs, etc have opinions that their readers or viewers are likely to adopted as their own because of the respect or trust the reader or viewers have for the authors

Trustworthy resources are necessary and one must watch for bias by the author




Public opinion is shaped by what politicians say it is. The last view on public opinion is the belief that if

a politician, usually a powerful one, says the people believe a certain ideas or issue that that is what the people think, regardless if there is evidence to prove it.

The idea is if the politician says it loud enough and enough times it will become the opinion of the people.



Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat function does public opinion have in American Democracy?

Public opinion acts as a guide for political leaders What the people are thinking is important for

political leaders for law making and election campaigns.



The importance of staying informed

Democracy requires informed citizens. Well-informed citizens must recognize

differences between facts and opinions.




The importance of staying informed Where do Americans get their news?

1900-1950 Most Americans got their news from print media—mainly newspapers and magazines Harpers Bazaar Magazine is an example

1950-1995—Broadcast media became the main source of news. These include radio and television

Today—Electronic media has complicated the news delivery process. Many Americans today get news from cell phones, computers and other communication devices. Drudge Report is an example

http://www.drudgereport.com/




The importance of staying informed There are three important roles played by the

free press in a Democracy The first is serving as a watchdog over the

government. The media can report on corruption and misuses of

power by government officials.





free press in a Democracy The second is to help set the public agenda

Too many events happen in the world every day to report on all of them, so the news editors and producers choose what to cover and leave out.

These decisions become the issues the public is exposed to and become the focus of the public’s attention





free press in a Democracy The third is to support the free exchange of ideas,

information, and opinions. Opinion journalism—or the chatter of “talking

heads” fill the airways today. Most people tune in to these debates either to solidify opinions they already have or to listen to the arguments of the other side.




Propaganda

Propaganda is ideas spread to influence public opinion, consumers, and voters.

Mass media and communications technology enable the spread of propaganda.




Propaganda methods:

Concealed propaganda attempts to fool people. Revealed propaganda makes people aware that

it is trying to influence them. Propaganda techniques: bandwagon, card

stacking, glittering generalities, name-calling, plain-folks appeal, and testimonials

http://my.hrw.com/ss2/ss06_07_08/student/flash/civtps_prCD/click_viewer.html




Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat function does public opinion have in American Democracy?

Public opinion acts as a guard against hasty or poorly understood decisions. When the public speaks out negatively on an issue the government knows it may have to rethink its decision making process.



Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What function does public opinion have in American Democracy? Public opinion acts as a glue in society by

bring together the diversity in our society around certain governmental issues or politicians.



Measurements of public opinion:

Elections Polls or surveys—take opinions of “samples”

of population Wording of polls, number of responses and the

sample population influence the outcome of polls. Polls may also influence public opinion.




Measurements of public opinion: There are six important elements to consider when

looking and evaluating a political poll. The name of the polling organization or sponsor The question asked The analysis of the data gathered The date of the poll The sample size The margin of error





Types of polls Benchmark poll-this is used by a prospective

candidates to evaluate the success of a message in their campaign

Which messages to emphasize and which ones to avoid





Types of polls Tracking polls-are conducted during a campaign

to measure the day-by-day of the campaign. They act as a snapshot of trends and shifts in the attitudes of the voters.




Measurements of public opinion: Types of polls

Exit polls—are used on Election day to predict the winners.

An exit pool is a survey of voters taken at the polling place just after voters have cast their ballots.

These polls often are used to find out how different age or ethnic groups of people voted and why.




SECTION 1

Measuring Public Opinion

elections polls

Question: How is public opinion measured?



The Main Idea

Interest groups work to persuade the government to adopt particular policies and address

specific issues.

Section 2: Interest Groups



Interest Groups Organizations that seek to influence

government policy Interest groups are similar to political parties

in practice because Both engage in politics Both provide information Both seek to effect the outcomes of elections

Also known as pressure groups or lobbies




Interest Groups--Historical James Madison warned against “factions” in

“Federalist Papers 10” Feared that groups might control the will of the

government and push their goals Hurt the individual

Believed in Pluralism Definition—many different groups influencing power

players and in competition Competition is the check on one faction becoming too

powerful




Different types of interest groups: Economic interest—

Groups that are concerned with influencing the economic policies of this country Trade unions, AMA, Farm interests




Different types of interest groups:

Public interest or Citizen group Concerned with issues that effect the entire

country Environment Transportation Trade

Sierra Club and SADD are examples





Single Issue Groups Groups that focus on only one singe idea or

problem Abortion Gun control Examples include NOW and NAACP





Government interest groups Governors associations Mayor’s associations Superintendent of Schools associations National Education Associations

Foreign Policy Interest groups Veteran's groups

Nationalities and Religions Interest Groups




Why joing an Interest group?

To be informed Benefits of the group

Example AARP insurance Training offered by the group Agreement with the groups goals Be a part of the community




Criticism of interest groups: Interest groups are too involved in lawmaking. Well-funded and organized groups receive too much

attention; other interests are not equally represented. Interest group can and will take out political

advertisements 527 groups Moveon Not Alex For McCain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-D3iwZ-RtA


http://www.moveon.org/bushin30seconds/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq30lapbC9c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-D3iwZ-RtA



What makes an Interest Group effective? Size and money Unity of purpose or goal Effective leadership—Charlston Heston and

the NRA Information and expertise




How do lobbyists and Interest groups try to influence opinion? Propose, research, and help write bills for

Congress Testify at committee hearings and may present

evidence Supply lawmakers with information Advertise in the mass media Supply workers and funds to election campaigns




How do lobbyists and Interest groups try to influence opinion?

Organize people at the local level Establish grassroots movements Take cases to court to challenge laws

Litigation




How are Interest Groups are organized and funded?

Organization Elected board of directors State and National chapters

Funding Dues Membership fees





Funding (continued) Direct mailing fundraising campaigns Some foundation grants Some government grants

Special funds PAC-Political Action Committees (527’s) Sponsored by union groups, associations, trade

groups, etc





PAC-Political Action Committees (527’s)continued

Can donate to political parties Can spend money on political campaigns

Increasing spending by interest groups 1980=131 million 2004=310 million




SECTION 2

How Lobbyists Influence Opinions

Argue for or against legislation Ask congressmembers to sponsor bills Supply information, help write bills Testify at hearings Advertise Provide workers and contributors for candidates Urge people to contact public officials

Question: How do lobbyists try to influence government and public opinion?



The Main IdeaAmericans can participate in government by voting and

speaking out on the issues that matter to them.

Section 3: Taking Part in Government



Four ways of participating in government:

Electoral Specialists Vote in local, state, and national elections Volunteer for a political campaign Work as at a poll worker on election day Persuade others to get out and vote




Four ways of participating in government: Civic Specialists

Speak out on public issues Work to improve our communities Testify at a public hearing Participate in service projects Attend public meetings Be a petitioner





Dual Activist Engage in both electoral and civic activities One day they volunteer at a homeless shelter One day they vote in local, state, and national

elections





Disengaged Don’t participate in electoral or civic projects Don’t pay attention to any information about civic

or electoral projects




Voting Ideologies Liberals believe…

Government should be actively involved in public problems Government should regulate business, economic

inequalities, and help the poor Government should regulate and protect the environment

and improve health care Government should resist efforts to interfere in personal

lives “Left of Center”




Voting Ideologies Conservatisms believes…

Government should have limit economic control Government should not regulate businesses Government should limit its size and reduce taxes Government should cut programs run by the

government and award private contracts to private institutions to solve social problems

Government should regulate some aspect of personal issues

“ Right of Center”




Voting Ideologies

20% of Americans say they are liberals 30-40% of Americans say they are

conservative




Voting Ideologies--Minority

Socialism believes Government should limit economic inequalities by

ensuring fair distributions of wealth Government should be in control of most economic

resources for production of goods and services Government should manage the economy In USA today, democratic socialism—believes in

help for those in need




Voting Ideologies Libertarianism believes

Government should lower taxes and stay out of the markets

Government should also avoid regulations on personal affairs




Voting Ideologies

Environmentalism believes.. Government should design policies to reduce

pollution and preserve natural resources Government should encourage economic and

industrial industries that support the environment not destroy it




Voting Ideologies

Centrism believes… In a middle of the road approach Common sense policies




Voting A right and a responsibility American hold more elections than any other

nation in the world Popular sovereignty

Political power comes from the people Aspect of being a good citizen Few Americans vote however Some historically denied the right to vote




Voting Requirements to vote

U. S. citizen 18 years of age Resident of the state Legally registered to vote

Registration requires Form with and address verification Birth date verification Proof of identification




Voting Motor Voter Act

Passed when Bill Clinton was president Requires states allow residents to register to vote

while applying for a drivers license Requires voter registration be provided at social

service offices and by mail




Voting

U.S. voter turnout is one of the lowest in the world.

Presidential elections will get 50% European gets 70% U. S. elections have complex ballots

Candidates Referendums Constitutional amendments




Voting Elections happen on workday

Hard for voters to leave No requirement to vote Majority of the states don’t allow convicted

felons in jail, on parole, or probation to vote 1-50




Voting Expresses our opinions about our leaders and

their policies Apathy, failure to register, illness,

dissatisfaction with the candidates, location, and residency requirements contribute to poor voter turn-out.

The 1916 and 2000 elections demonstrate the importance of every vote.




Volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns through: Telephone and door-to-door campaigning Distribution of literature on the street Mailings

Interest groups provide volunteers and funds via political action committees.




SECTION 3

voting speaking out on issues

working for a political party

volunteering in the community

contacting public officials

How Citizens Can Participate in Government

Question: What are five ways that citizens can participate in government?



Chapter 11 Wrap-Up

1. How does the use of propaganda differ in totalitarian societies and democratic societies?

2. What is the purpose of polls? Why must polls use representative samples?

3. How do interest groups differ from political parties?4. Identify ways that lobbyists try to influence public

policy and opinion.5. How can citizens take party in the political system?6. Why is voting important? Why do so few Americans

vote?

1. How does the use of propaganda differ in totalitarian societies and democratic societies?

2. What is the purpose of polls? Why must polls use representative samples?

3. How do interest groups differ from political parties?4. Identify ways that lobbyists try to influence public

policy and opinion.5. How can citizens take party in the political system?6. Why is voting important? Why do so few Americans

vote?

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON1 CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT Chapter 11 The Political System Section...

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