1. Measuring Public Opinion

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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?