1. Unit 2: Govt Sys & Politics
Propaganda & Public Opinion

2. Public Opinion & Recognition
Candidates want people to like them & recognize their name
Public opinion – opinions held by people about different issues & candidates
Measured with poll (survey)
Influenced by many things – mass media, propaganda, other people
Can change how people view candidates

3. Media & Propaganda Candidates use to shape public opinion
Mass media – newspaper, magazines, TV, radio, internet
Propaganda – ideas spread to try and influence people
Concealed & revealed
6 different propaganda techniques
Testimonial/Endorsements
Bandwagon
Name calling
Glittering generalities
Plain-folks appeal
Card stacking

4. Propaganda Techniques

5. The use of a celebrity to support a candidate
Endorsements
The use of a celebrity to support a candidate

6. Using “peer pressure” to motivate voters
“Everyone else is voting for Candidate B, you should too!”
Bandwagon
Using “peer pressure” to motivate voters

7. The act of placing a negative label on the opponent
Name Calling
“Candidate A doesn’t care about our soldiers overseas! Is that the kind of president you want?!”
The act of placing a negative label on the opponent

8. Using statements that sound good but are generally meaningless
Glittering Generalities
“I will bring peace and prosperity to our country!”
Using statements that sound good but are generally meaningless

9. Presenting the image that candidates are just like the rest of us
Plain Folks Appeal
Presenting the image that candidates are just like the rest of us

10. Presenting only one side of an issue; positives for only one side
Card Stacking
“I have the best record on the environment and care about it more than Candidate A!”
Presenting only one side of an issue; positives for only one side

11. Use of symbols that appeal to voters, often patriotic
“I pledge allegiance to the flag…”
Use of symbols that appeal to voters, often patriotic