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Benchmarks

SS.7.C.2.10 Examine the impact of media, individuals,

and interest groups on monitoring and influencing

government.

Make An Impact!

Monitoring and Influencing Government

Individuals participate in government by:

How can individuals

participate in government?

The Importance of Civic Participation

• Why is participating in government important?– Influence government

• Have your voice heard about issues, problems and policies.

– Monitor government • Make sure the government is doing its job

• Make sure your rights are being protected and not violated

• Make sure we hold government accountable (responsible)

The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. © 2015

GROUPS WHO INFLUENCE AND

MONITOR GOVERNMENT

• Individuals

• Interest Groups

• Political Action Committees

• Media

Individuals

• Individuals can influence and monitorgovernment through political participation including:– Voting

– Petitioning the government

– Joining civic groups and interest groups

– Running for political office

– Attending civic meetings

– Communicating with elected officials, participating in protests, and more…

What do you think is the BEST way for an individual to influence government? Monitor government?

Other ways individuals monitor

government

• Stay informed!

• Watch government proceedings

• Keep up-to-date on legislation of interest

Special Interest Groups

• Any association of individuals or organizations, united by shared concerns, attempts to influence public policy in its favor

– Use ad campaigns and media to get attention for their cause

– Hold benefits and fundraisers

– Interest groups often “lobby” to influence public policy

The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. © 2015

Issue: Gun Control

Word to define: LOBBYING

• The practice of trying to persuade legislators to propose, pass, or defeat legislation or to change existing laws

• Lobbyist: may work for a group, organization, or industry, and presents information on legislative proposals to support his or her clients' interests

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WHAT INTERESTS YOU?

What is a cause that you feel strongly about?

Find an interest group that promotes your cause and aligns with your position!

Political Action Committee

• A group that raises and spends money to influence elections or legislation.

– PACs can hire lobbyists to advocate (or lobby) for their position

Media

• Name some forms of “media” that you know

– Television newscasts

– Newspapers

– Websites

– Podcasts

– Social media

– Magazines

– Radio

The media often serves as a government “watchdog”.• Watchdogs are organizations

that seek to watch over government institutions and hold those institutions and officials accountable.

How does media influence government?

• Determine which issues get public attention

How does media influence government?

• What are some current government issues/events being covered by the media?

• What is the role and impact of the media in covering these events?

• What other ways could the public obtain this information?

• After learning about the events/issues, what could you do as an individual to directly influence government actions?

Media Bias

• Often times, different media outlets show a bias, or a display of favor for or against someone or something.

Media bias: good or bad?

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Which group – individuals, interest groups, political action committees, or media – have the MOST impact on government?

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Which methods are the best ways to influence and/or monitor the government?

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Answer the question below: