Chapter 11 The Political System American Civics 4/24/2017 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 The Main Idea Political leaders and interest groups find many ways to shape public opinion and influence the beliefs of American citizens. Reading Focus What is public opinion, and how is it shaped? What is propaganda, and what are six common propaganda techniques? How is public opinion measured?

People’s opinions are influenced by Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion People’s opinions are influenced by Family, friends, teachers, and clubs. Information from mass media: television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and the Internet.

The importance of staying informed Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion The importance of staying informed Democracy requires informed citizens. Well-informed citizens must recognize differences between facts and opinions.

Propaganda Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion Propaganda is ideas spread to influence public opinion, consumers, and voters. Mass media and communications technology enable the spread of propaganda.

Propaganda methods: Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion 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

Measurements of public opinion: 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.

Measuring Public Opinion SECTION 1 Question: How is public opinion measured? Measuring Public Opinion polls elections

Section 2: Interest Groups The Main Idea Interest groups work to persuade the government to adopt particular policies and address specific issues. Reading Focus What are interest groups, and what are the different types of interest groups? How do lobbyists try to influence government and public opinion? Do interest groups have too much power?

Interest Groups Section 2: Interest Groups Organizations that seek to influence government policy Also known as pressure groups or lobbies Lobbies do not seek to influence elections like the political parties do. Lobbies may represent economic interests, social interests, or general public interest.

Different types of interest groups: Section 2: Interest Groups Different types of interest groups: Business associations, labor unions, farm organizations, veterans’ organizations, teachers’ associations, and consumer groups Public interest groups

Criticism of interest groups: 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.

How do lobbyists try to influence opinion? Section 2: Interest Groups How do lobbyists 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

How Lobbyists Influence Opinions SECTION 2 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

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. Reading Focus What are the four ways that all citizens can participate in government? Why is voting important, and why do so few U.S. citizens vote? How do volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns?

Four ways of participating in government: Section 3: Taking Part in Government Four ways of participating in government: Vote in local, state, and national elections Work for political parties Speak out on public issues Work to improve our communities

Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government A right and a responsibility Expresses our opinions about our leaders and their policies U.S. voter turnout is one of the lowest in the world. 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.

Volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns through: 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.

contacting public officials SECTION 3 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 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?