Influencing Government Chapter 11

Public Opinion Section 1

Why is Public Opinion Important? Helps shape the government’s decisions Helps determine the timing of decisions Not uniform – varies widely “I cannot go any faster than the people will let me.” - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Forming Public Opinion Personal Background The Mass Media Public Officials Interest Groups

Components of Public Opinion Direction On any given topic, is it positive, negative or mixed? Intensity How strongly do people feel about the issue? Stability How likely are opinions on this issue to change? Approval Ratings of FDR

Measuring Public Opinion Election Results Show only a broad measure of public opinion Not very specific Public Opinion Polls More accurate Random Samples Reflects the characteristics of the entire population in a small group

Polls and Democracy Pro Con Allows officeholders to keep in touch with the citizens views Don’t have to wait for elections to see if the people approve or disapprove of the government Makes officials more concerned with following the public than leading Distort elections – focus on who is winning rather than the issues Discourage people from voting

The Framers and Public Opinion Wanted to allow for public rule, but insulate leaders from the shifting whims of the people Public opinion does help shape public policy, but there are other factors at work: Interest groups Political Parties Mass Media Other Institutions of government Individuals

The Mass Media Section 2

Types of Media Print Media Electronic Media Newspapers Magazines More than 70% of adults read newspapers Magazines Newsletters Books Give deeper coverage than TV Radio Television 98% of homes have a TV Internet Allows people to get news and ideas whenever they want. Can get much more information than from TV or radio sound bites

The Media’s Impact on Politics and Government Setting the Public Agenda Elected Officials Watchdog Role Candidates and Elections Media and National Security

Protecting the Media Democracy requires a free flow of information First Amendment Freedom from prior restraint Limits of freedom of the press Libel National Security Broadcast regulation – who gets airtime FCC

Interest Groups Section 3

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Private Interest Groups Public Interest Groups

Influencing Government Election Activities Going to Court Lobbying Lawmakers

Techniques of Interest Groups Direct mail campaigns TV and Radio Ads Protests Public Events Propaganda

Types of Propaganda Endorsements Stacked Cards Name-Calling Glittering Generality Symbols Just Plain Folks The Bandwagon

Regulation of Interest Groups 1971 – Federal Election Campaign Act 1946 – Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act Only covers full-time lobbyists: 20-25% No enforcement Officials must wait to become lobbyists Time varies from state to state Doesn’t really work

Pros and Cons of Interest Groups and Lobbying Most citizens have little effect on the government individually Together, with skilled lobbyists, can make a difference Too much say in government Campaign contributions give interest groups improper influence over office holders