Chapter 11

“Influencing Government”

Influencing Government There are three major ways that governments are influenced. Individuals Interest Groups Media

Individuals Impacting the Government Individuals influence or impact the government by Contributing to or working on campaigns Running for Elections Voting in Elections Petitions Public Opinion includes the ideas and attitudes that most people hold about elected officials, candidates, government, and political issues.

Interest Groups Interest Group – a group of people who share a point of view about an issue. They work towards influencing public opinion by trying to persuade people – including public officials – toward their point of view. By their very nature, interest groups are biased – supporting a particular viewpoint.

Types of Interest Groups Economic (ex. Chamber of Commerce, Labor Unions) Try to influence government decisions on issues that affect their industries Labor unions work for the economic interests of workers.

Types of Interest Groups Public (ex. Common Cause) Support the causes that affect the lives of Americans in general, rather than just the special interest of their own members.

Types of Interest Groups Other People have also organized to promote an ethnic group, age group, gender, or special causes.

Ways Interest Groups affect Public Policy Election Activities Going to Court Lobbying Lawmakers

The Influence of Interest Groups Election Activities Political Action Committees (PACs) are organizations set up by interest groups primarily to collect money to support favored candidates.

The Influence of Interest Groups Going to Court Interest Groups influence public policy by bringing cases to court. Distracted Driving

The Influence of Interest Groups Lobbying Lawmakers Lobbyists are representatives of interest groups who contact lawmakers or other government officials directly to influence their policy making.

Techniques of Influence Propaganda – an attempt to promote a particular person or idea. Often found in print or electronic media

Types of Propaganda Endorsements Stacked Cards Name – Calling Glittering Generality Transfer Symbols Just Plain Folks The Bandwagon

Types of Propaganda Endorsements Stacked Cards Name – Calling “I’m voting for Candidate A and so should you.” Stacked Cards “Candidate A has the best record on the environment” Name – Calling - “Candidate A is a dangerous extremist”

Types of Propaganda Glittering Generality Transfer Symbols “Candidate A is the one who will bring us peace and prosperity” Transfer Symbols “I pledge allegiance…..”

Types of Propaganda Just Plain Folks The Bandwagon “My parents were ordinary, hardworking people…” The Bandwagon “Polls show our candidate is pulling ahead”

Propaganda Regulations Laws have limited the amount of money PACs may contribute to candidates. Lobbyists must state who hired them, their salary, and how they spend their work money. Federal and state laws require a waiting period before former government officials can become lobbyists.

Media’s Influence There are two types of media -that contribute: Print – newspapers, magazines, newsletters and books. Electronic media – radio, television, and the Internet (social networking, Facebook, Twitter)

Media’s Impact on the Government Setting the Public Agenda Public Agenda – the ideas and issues that receive the most amount of time, money and effort.

Media’s Impact on the Government Candidates and Elections Media is making it possible for some people to run who may have never done so in an earlier time due to exposure. (celebrities and sports figures)

Media’s Impact on the Government Elected Officials Politicians rely on exposure from the media: Press conferences Media events Interviews Or leak information to test public reaction

Media’s Impact on the Government Watchdog Role Journalists are eager to expose government corruption and waste.

Media’s Impact on the Government Media and National Security There are tensions regarding American citizens’ right to know and the need for the government to protect national security Wikileaks

Protecting the Media The First Amendment “Freedom of the Press” Prior Restraint – government censorship of material before it is published. It is not completely unlimited, no one can publish false information that will harm someone’s reputation. (libel)

Political Bias Bias – or prejudice – in the news is a topic for debate. The bias of the interest group helps determine how it sees the media.

Political Bias Fewer Americans rely on the three major networks and their local newspapers. Many receive their news from a variety of sources. (ex. Cable, Internet)

Accurate Information To know the most accurate information about a candidate, look at his/her voting history or views on important issues.