1. Chapter 11 The Political System
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
Section 2: Interest Groups
Section 3: Taking Part in Government

2. Section 3: Taking Part in Government
The Main Idea
Americans can participate in government by voting and speaking out on the issues that matter to them.
Reading Focus
What are the four ways that all citizens can participate in government?
Why is voting important, and why do so few U.S. citizens vote?
How do volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns?

3. Four ways of participating in government:
Vote in local, state, and national elections 1

4. Four ways of participating in government:
Work for political parties 2

5. Four ways of participating in government:3
Speak out on public issues

6. Four ways of participating in government:4
Work to improve our communities

7. Voting A right and a responsibility
Expresses our opinions about our leaders and their policies
The single most important opportunity for citizens to participate in government

8. Voting U.S. voter turnout is one of the lowest in the world.
Apathy, failure to register, illness, dissatisfaction with the candidates, location, and residency requirements contribute to poor voter turn-out.
The 1916 and 2000 elections demonstrate the importance of every vote.

9. Volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns through:
Telephone and door-to-door campaigning
Distribution of literature on the street
Mailings
Interest groups provide volunteers and funds via political action committees.

10. contacting public officials
Question: What are five ways that citizens can participate in government?
How Citizens Can Participate in Government
voting
speaking out on issues
working for a political party
contacting public officials
volunteering in the community