Chapter 11 The Political System American Civics 4/21/2017 Chapter 11 The Political System Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion Section 2: Interest Groups Section 3: Taking Part in Government Chapter 11

Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion The Main Idea Political leaders and interest groups find many ways to shape public opinion and influence the beliefs of American citizens. Chapter 11

People’s opinions are influenced by American Civics 4/21/2017 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. Chapter 11

Political scientists call this political socialization American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion People’s opinions are influenced by (continued) Political scientists call this political socialization Chapter 11

American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What 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. Chapter 11

Public opinion is shaped by special interest groups. American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What is public opinion and how is it shaped? 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? Chapter 11

American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What is public opinion and how is it shaped? 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 Chapter 11

Public opinion is shaped by what politicians say it is. American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What is public opinion and how is it shaped? 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. Chapter 11

Public opinion acts as a guide for political leaders American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What 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. Chapter 11

The importance of staying informed American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion The importance of staying informed Democracy requires informed citizens. Well-informed citizens must recognize differences between facts and opinions. Chapter 11

The importance of staying informed American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion 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/ Chapter 11

The importance of staying informed American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion 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. Chapter 11

The importance of staying informed American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion The importance of staying informed There are three important roles played by the 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 Chapter 11

The importance of staying informed American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion The importance of staying informed There are three important roles played by the 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. Chapter 11

Propaganda Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion Propaganda Propaganda is ideas spread to influence public opinion, consumers, and voters. Mass media and communications technology enable the spread of propaganda. Chapter 11

Propaganda methods: Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion 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 Chapter 11

American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What 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. Chapter 11

American Civics 4/21/2017 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. Chapter 11

Measurements of public opinion: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion 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. Chapter 11

Measurements of public opinion: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping 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 Chapter 11

Measurements of public opinion: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion Measurements of public opinion: 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 Chapter 11

Measurements of public opinion: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion Measurements of public opinion: 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. Chapter 11

Measurements of public opinion: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion 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. Chapter 11

Measuring Public Opinion American Civics SECTION 1 4/21/2017 Question: How is public opinion measured? Measuring Public Opinion polls elections Chapter 11

Section 2: Interest Groups American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups The Main Idea Interest groups work to persuade the government to adopt particular policies and address specific issues. Chapter 11

Interest Groups Section 2: Interest Groups American Civics 4/21/2017 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 Chapter 11

Interest Groups--Historical American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups 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 Chapter 11

Different types of interest groups: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups Different types of interest groups: Economic interest— Groups that are concerned with influencing the economic policies of this country Trade unions, AMA, Farm interests Chapter 11

Different types of interest groups: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups 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 Chapter 11

Different types of interest groups: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups Different types of interest groups: Single Issue Groups Groups that focus on only one singe idea or problem Abortion Gun control Examples include NOW and NAACP Chapter 11

Different types of interest groups: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups Different types of interest groups: 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 Chapter 11

Why joing an Interest group? American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: 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 Chapter 11

Criticism of interest groups: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups 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 Chapter 11

What makes an Interest Group effective? American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups What makes an Interest Group effective? Size and money Unity of purpose or goal Effective leadership—Charlston Heston and the NRA Information and expertise Chapter 11

How do lobbyists and Interest groups try to influence opinion? American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups 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 Chapter 11

How do lobbyists and Interest groups try to influence opinion? American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups 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 Chapter 11

How are Interest Groups are organized and funded? American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups How are Interest Groups are organized and funded? Organization Elected board of directors State and National chapters Funding Dues Membership fees Chapter 11

How are Interest Groups are organized and funded? American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups How are Interest Groups are organized and funded? 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 Chapter 11

How are Interest Groups are organized and funded? American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 2: Interest Groups How are Interest Groups are organized and funded? 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 Chapter 11

How Lobbyists Influence Opinions American Civics SECTION 2 4/21/2017 Question: How do lobbyists try to influence government and public opinion? 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 Chapter 11

Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government The Main Idea Americans can participate in government by voting and speaking out on the issues that matter to them. Chapter 11

Four ways of participating in government: American Civics 4/21/2017 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 Chapter 11

Four ways of participating in government: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Four ways of participating in government: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government Four ways of participating in government: 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 Chapter 11

Four ways of participating in government: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government Four ways of participating in government: Disengaged Don’t participate in electoral or civic projects Don’t pay attention to any information about civic or electoral projects Chapter 11

Voting Ideologies Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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” Chapter 11

Voting Ideologies Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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” Chapter 11

Voting Ideologies Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government Voting Ideologies 20% of Americans say they are liberals 30-40% of Americans say they are conservative Chapter 11

Voting Ideologies--Minority American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Voting Ideologies Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government Voting Ideologies Libertarianism believes Government should lower taxes and stay out of the markets Government should also avoid regulations on personal affairs Chapter 11

Voting Ideologies Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Voting Ideologies Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government Voting Ideologies Centrism believes… In a middle of the road approach Common sense policies Chapter 11

Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government Requirements to vote American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government Motor Voter Act American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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 Chapter 11

Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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. Chapter 11

Volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns through: American Civics 4/21/2017 Section 3: Taking Part in Government 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. Chapter 11

contacting public officials American Civics SECTION 3 4/21/2017 Question: What are five ways that citizens can participate in government? How Citizens Can Participate in Government voting speaking out on issues working for a political party contacting public officials volunteering in the community Chapter 11

American Civics 4/21/2017 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? Chapter 11