1. Where our country is going PUBLIC POLICY

2. Public policy What is public policy? The things our country focuses on. These decisions are made by the government. Will the government focus on education/war/health care/jobs? What the government wants us to do as a country is our public policy.

3. PUBLIC POLICY How the media influences public policy Focusing public attention on selected issues Holding government officials accountable Offering a forum to allow for different views to be presented. The government can also use the media to communicate with the public.

4. PUBLIC POLICY Ways Individuals Influence public policy Participate in politics Voting Campaigning Running for office Express opinions Write letters Demonstrate Lobby Join interest groups

5. PUBLIC POLICY Ways Interest groups influence public policy Identify issues Donate money to a campaign Lobby government officials

6. PUBLIC POLICY How the world influences public policy Sometimes international issues force local governments to take action when they normally wouldn’t: Public health concerns if there is a pandemic Public safety if there is an act of terrorism Economic policies with an emerging global economy Policies to protect the environment