Political Influence

What Influences Government? Public Opinion Lobbyist Mass Media Interest Groups Propaganda

Where does Public Opinion Come From? Mass Media gives off powerful images Interest groups try to persuade people to their point of view Personal background such as: age, gender, race, religion, income, location, family, etc.

An informed public has an advantage in influencing the political direction of the nation because it can a.uphold the integrity of an election campaign. b.send persuasive messages to government officials. c.determine how the voting process will operate. d.use public relations groups to impact government policies.

Components of Public Opinion Direction= Public opinion is positive/ negative Intensity= Strength of opinion on a given issue Stability= How firmly people hold their views – Less likely to change

Media’s Impact on Politics & Government Elected Officials 1. use the media to show: hard working & communicate information 2. Press Secretary sets-up conferences, interviews, & media events. 3. Provide leaks to test the publics reaction Make it possible for people to run, who might have not done so. Set public agenda to influence problems the government considers important

Media’s Impact on Politics & Government Play a watchdog role to expose government waste & corruption Attacks the government when it comes to national security ; because of the tension for citizens need for information & USA need for government to keep secrets to protect the nation, its people, & programs.

In an election year, how does a responsible media shape the results of the popular vote? a.by exposing the personal flaws of candidates b.by rallying support for particular candidates c.by running advertisements exclusively for one party d.by informing viewers about important public issues

Propaganda A lot of money spent on creating the perfect image. Local campaigns hang poster & give newspaper ads State/ National campaigns mainly use TV – Each ad is 30 seconds & can be viewed as unfair, but most effective – Canvassing – door to door asking for votes, taking public opinion polls All done in hopes, to sway a persons vote

Propaganda Techniques Campaigns Use Endorsements Name-Calling Glittering Generality Symbols Stacked Cards Bandwagon Just Plain Folks

A candidate running for state office used a slogan implying that he will bring about big changes to improve society. This kind of propaganda appeals to voters by a.explaining the leadership qualities of the candidate. b.inspiring a sense of purpose in supporting the candidate. c.publicizing endorsements by other major figures. d.bringing attention to the shortcomings of the other candidates.

Influencing Government: Lobbying Job is volunteer/ paid, & lobbyist basically persuade officials to support their interest. Government Uses: 1. Information resource 2. Suggest solutions to problems 3. Draft bills 4. Testify in legislative hearings 5. Make sure laws are carried out, enforced, or upheld in court To prevent an un-fair advantage, inside information, or illegal actions the government has placed regulations on all lobbyist

How Do Interest Groups Influence Government? Pool resources, increase chances of influencing decision makers. Affect public policy Bring Cases to Court Use political resources & PACs to support candidates

Types of Interest Groups Age: AARP Issues: Sierra Club, National Rifle Association, Motion Picture Association of America, & National Education Association of the USA Economic: US Chamber of Commerce & Tobacco Institute Ethnicity: NAACP & Hispanic America-USA Gender: National Organization For Women Labor Unions: American Federation of Labor & American Medical Association