To Stay Informed How to understand the Law?

Important Questions Why do we need an informed citizenry? – Informed Citizenry equals a responsible and participatory public. People can take part in the process and change or create new laws What political values are apparent? – Knowledgeable public makes government more responsible (what political values does it represent) – Helps reduce crime and increase economic production – “Ignorance of the law is no excuse” Staying informed is both government and public responsibility; government has to provide outlets and resources but the public has to take time to access them Not knowing the law will not excuse you from the consequences of the law. How can we stay informed? – Town Meetings – Mass Media – News/Press Releases – Government Task Force – Public Debates – Franking Privilege – Government Websites

How Can We Stay Informed Town Meetings Usually held in smaller communities Traditional method in New England towns Allows for public to stay informed as well as participate in the creation of local statutes Public Hearings meeting of city council or county commission public may attend & sometimes speak regarding laws & local matters Does not allow direct creation like a town meeting

Ways Public Can Participate Public Forums Meetings specifically set up to allow citizens to express their opinion about a certain law or political issue Typically, the district Congressman speaks and takes questions Usually only done for major issues Mass Media Television – Major news networks: CNN, Fox, MSNBC – Beware of bias Radio Internet – A lot of misinformation and special interest – Have to be very evaluative of content and wary of bias – Fact finder websites, legal sites, and government sites are better option Newspaper – Differentiate between editorial and objective reporting

Ways Government Informs Citizens Press Releases and Press Conferences statements released to the media for the purpose of relaying information Scheduled meetings where members of media ask Press Secretaries questions Internet websites provides updates & accurate information from government Specific Agencies charged with execution of law – A law effecting farmers would appear on Dep. Of Agriculture Special site built to inform on specific issue

Ways Government Informs Citizens Franking Privilege Congressmen and Senators can send free mail A way to contact constituents How many of these has your household received? Government Publications and Tasks Force Documents, mail, websites that inform public on a specific issue or law Task force: special, temporary committees or groups charged with investigating and reporting on specific issues and/or potential laws

Ways Government Informs Citizens Public Debates Debates between political parties Typically only occur around election times