1. Theme: influencing government

2. The theme of objectives 6. 1, 6. 2, 6
The theme of objectives 6.1, 6.2, 6.3: influencing public policy and public opinion

3. public opinion: what the citizens think about stuff

4. public policy: what the government does about stuff

5. We will look at “influencing” in 3 ways: 6. 1: individuals 6
We will look at “influencing” in 3 ways: 6.1: individuals 6.2: groups 6.3: media

6. Objective 6.1 How individuals influence public policy

7. participating in politics
the act of taking part in government affairs
Symbol of U.S. Government

8. Why should you participate in your government?
Only by participating in government can citizens carry out the idea of
consent of the governed
(one of your Constitutional rights)

9. consent of the governed
Def:
people are the source of governmental power

10. A. voting B. expressing opinions C. writing letters D. campaigning E
A. voting B. expressing opinions C. writing letters D. campaigning E. demonstrating F. joining interest groups G. lobbying

11. voting is one of your most important responsibilities.
A. voting
voting is one of your most important responsibilities.

12. A. voting
By voting we influence the laws and policies that affect our lives.
Voting is a way to decide who the leaders will be and the actions they will take.

13. The vote of every citizen counts.

14. B. expressing opinions
The easiest way to make known your ideas on public issues is by voting.

15. C. writing letters
Writing letters to local officials or Congress is an excellent way to let them know what is on your mind.

16. D. campaigning
a series of planned actions for getting something done.

17. Make phone calls to inform voters about your candidate.
People of any age can work as volunteers in political campaigns.
Make phone calls to inform voters about your candidate.
Distribute literature.
Address and stuff mailing envelopes.

18. E. demonstrating
to show one’s feelings by taking part in a public meeting, parade, or gathering (not riot)

19. F. joining interest groups
Def: organizations of people with common ideas; they try to influence government policies and decisions.

20. G. become a lobbyist:
a person who tries to get lawmakers to pass certain laws, often to benefit an interest group.