1. Making Public Policy SOL CE.9a, b, c; SOL CE.6c, 7c

2. Terms to Know: Bill-proposed legislation Interest Group- groups of people with similar ideas who want to influence policies Lobby-seeking to influence legislation Lobbyist-a person who works for interest group to influence legislation Ordinance- a local law Public Policy- laws for the public good Revenue- money coming in, through taxes

3. Groups involved in Shaping Legislation 1. Media 2. Legislative Branch 3. Executive Branch 4. Interest Groups 5. People/individuals

4. Media’s Role * focus public attention on issues * offer a forum for opposing viewpoints * holding government officials accountable Government uses media to Communicate with the public.

5. People’s Role * participate in politics (vote, campaign) * express opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters) * joining interest groups

6. Interest Group’s Role * identifying issues * making political contributions * lobbying government officials

7. Law-making Process in Congress How a Bill Becomes a Law 1. bill introduced by Senator/Representative 2. working in committees 3. debate on the floor (house/senate) 4. vote on the bill (house/senate) 5. sent to President to sign into law

8. State Law-making Process In Virginia General Assembly 1. introducing a bill 2. working in committees 3. debate on floor of house & senate 4. vote on the bill both house & senate 5. sent to Governor to sign into law

9. Primary Issues Virginia Deals with- *Education- to promote an informed people (est. standards) * Public Health-promote & protect health of its citizens * Environment- protect natural resources * State Budget-to approve two year budget * Revenue- levy & collect taxes

10. Local Law-making * board of supervisors counties * councils in cities * individuals have a lot of influence in what laws get passed

11. Local Issues in Response to Big Issues: International issues & events that require local governments to make policy decisions are: * public health concerns (pandemic) * public safety in event of terrorism * economic development due to global economy * environmental policies