Public Policy A general agreement of how government will deal with certain issues or problems of the community Example: the Town Center- encouraging the development of a downtown Virginia Beach

How individuals influence public policy Participating in politics Voting Campaigning Expressing opinions

Interest Groups Group of people who come together to support a common cause Strength in numbers

How interest groups influence public policy Identifying issues Making political contributions Lobbying government officials Representing different viewpoints Publicizing issues

Mass Media influence on public opinion and public policy Focusing public attention on selected issues Offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated Holding government officials accountable to the public Providing the opportunity for government officials to use the media to communicate with the public

Functions of Political Parties Recruiting and nominating candidates Educating the electorate about campaign issues Helping candidates win elections Monitoring actions of officeholders Raising money for campaigns

The Political Spectrum Reactionaries –Very conservative –Want to return to traditional policies Radicals –Very liberal –Want sweeping changes in government policies

The Political Spectrum Conservatives –Want limited government –Oppose government regulation –Believe the individual should take care of himself –Support ending affirmative action, reinstating school prayer –Tend to be Republicans Liberals –Want more government –Believe government should help the individual –Support programs for the poor, public housing –Tend to be Democrats

The Political Spectrum Moderates –Move between conservatives and liberals –Support government action in some areas and reject it in others

Similarities between parties Organize to win elections Influence public policies Reflect both liberal and conservative views Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center

Differences between parties Stated in a party’s platform and reflected in campaigning

Advantages and Disadvantages of the two-party system Advantages –Political stability –Continuity in government Disadvantages –Less opportunity to represent minority views Requirement for a majority vote in the Electoral College

Third parties Failure of the major parties to address popular causes and issues Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt)

Political Parties Republicans- Modern party usually associated with conservatives and tax cuts Democrats- Modern party usually associated with using government to solve problems and liberals

Running for Public Office Recruitment Nomination (selected to represent a political party) –Primary elections Party members vote to select candidate –Caucuses Meeting where party members select candidate –Convention Party members select delegates to choose candidate Political Campaigns

Mass Media Roles in Elections Identifying candidates Emphasizing selected issues Writing editorials, creating political cartoons, publishing op- ed pieces, political commentaries Broadcasting different points of view, debates Public opinion polls Endorsing candidates

Propaganda Promote a particular idea or viewpoint. Trying to persuade or influence people to do something.

Propaganda Techniques Endorsements- have famous people endorse or support the candidate Stacked Cards- present only one side of an issue. Ignore the negative

Propaganda Techniques (cont.) The Bandwagon- convince people that everyone else is going to vote for the candidate or issue Glittering Generality- Statement that sounds good but essentially means nothing

Propaganda Techniques (cont.) Symbols- candidate will use symbols to appeal to the public Just Plain Folk- make people think the candidate is just like them Name-calling- try to turn people against the opponent by using negative descriptions

Rising Campaigns Costs Require candidates to conduct extensive fund- raising activities Give an advantage to the wealthy individuals who run for office Encourage the development of political action committees (PACS) –Special interest groups who provide money to candidates who support their cause

Rising Campaign Costs (cont.) Give issue-oriented special interests groups increased influence Limits opportunities to run for public office

Campaign Finance Reform Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws Limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to political candidates and campaigns

Qualifications to Register to Vote in Virginia Citizen of the United States Resident of Virginia and Precinct 18 years of age by day of general election

How to Register in Virginia In person, at the registrar’s office, at the Division of Motor Vehicles, or at other designated sites By mail application Registration is closed 29 days before elections

Absentee Voting If a voter is unable to get to the voting station on election day, he/she can vote via an absentee ballot Absentee ballots are mailed in and counted after the election

Factors in Predicting which Citizens will Vote Education Age Income

Why Citizens Fail to Vote Lack of Interest (voter apathy) Failure to register

Why vote? The percentage of voters who participate in presidential elections is usually greater than the percentage of voters who participate in state and local elections Every vote is important!!!!