“Influencing Government”

Influencing Government There are three major groups that influence our government. Individuals Interest Groups Media

Individuals Impacting the Government Individuals influence the government by Contributing to or working on campaigns Running for political office Voting in elections Petitioning the government for change

Interest Groups An Interest Group is an organized group of individuals who share a point of view about an issue. (Interest groups are not a part of the government – they are made up of individual people!)

Types of Interest Groups Economic interest groups try to influence government policies that affect their industry or profession. (Ex- American Farm Bureau Federation) Issue-oriented interest groups focus on a specific issue or cause (Ex-NAACP, NRA) Public-interest groups promote the interests of the general public (Ex – National Wildlife Federation)

How Interest Groups Influence Government Participate In Election Activities Interest groups often supply workers/money to election campaigns. Political Action Committees (PACs) are organizations set up by interest groups primarily to collect money to support favored candidates.

The Influence of Interest Groups Bringing Cases to Court Interest Groups influence public policy by bringing cases to court to test the constitutionality of laws.

How Interest Groups Influence Public Policy Lobbying Lawmakers Lobbyists are paid representatives of interest groups who contact lawmakers or other government officials directly to influence their policy making. Lobbyists might argue for/against bills. Government officials often rely on lobbyists for information/opinions. Lobbyists sometimes help write bills.

Media Mass media – forms of communication that transmit information to large numbers of people There are two types of media: Print media – newspapers, magazines, newsletters and books. Electronic media – radio, television, and the Internet (social networking, Facebook, Twitter)

How the Media Influences Government Shapes Public Opinion Individuals and groups use the media to shape public opinion, or the total of the opinions held concerning a particular issue. Ideas that are spread to influence people are called propaganda.

How the Media Influences Government Impacts Elections Media is used by candidates for campaigning (advertisements, etc.) Various groups/individuals provide campaign coverage (news/updates) via television, newspapers, radio, internet, etc.

How the Media Influences Government Provides a Medium for Elected Officials to: Hold press conferences Stage media events Be interviewed by people in the media Leak information to test public reaction Serve as a Watchdog Journalists play an important role in exposing government corruption and waste.

How the Media Influences Government Media and National Security There are tensions regarding American citizens’ right to know and the need for the government to protect national security.

How the Media Influences Government Political Bias – or prejudice – in the media might or might not be obvious. Responsible citizens must Think critically about what they see, hear, and read in the media, as information can be inaccurate or misleading. Be able to distinguish between fact and opinion.

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

Types of Propaganda Endorsements/Testimonial Stacked Cards “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”