1. Chapter 11 The Political System
American Civics
4/24/2017
Chapter 11 The Political System
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
Section 2: Interest Groups
Section 3: Taking Part in Government
Chapter 11

2. Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
The Main Idea
Political leaders and interest groups find many ways to shape public opinion and influence the beliefs of American citizens.
Reading Focus
What is public opinion, and how is it shaped?
What is propaganda, and what are six common propaganda techniques?
How is public opinion measured?

3. People’s opinions are influenced by
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
People’s opinions are influenced by
Family, friends, teachers, and clubs.
Information from mass media: television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and the Internet.

4. The importance of staying informed
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
The importance of staying informed
Democracy requires informed citizens.
Well-informed citizens must recognize differences between facts and opinions.

5. Propaganda Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
Propaganda is ideas spread to influence public opinion, consumers, and voters.
Mass media and communications technology enable the spread of propaganda.

6. Propaganda methods: Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
Concealed propaganda attempts to fool people.
Revealed propaganda makes people aware that it is trying to influence them.
Propaganda techniques: bandwagon, card stacking, glittering generalities, name-calling, plain-folks appeal, and testimonials

7. Measurements of public opinion:
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
Measurements of public opinion:
Elections
Polls or surveys—take opinions of “samples” of population
Wording of polls, number of responses and the sample population influence the outcome of polls.
Polls may also influence public opinion.

8. Measuring Public Opinion
SECTION 1
Question: How is public opinion measured?
Measuring Public Opinion
polls
elections

9. Section 2: Interest Groups
The Main Idea
Interest groups work to persuade the government to adopt particular policies and address specific issues.
Reading Focus
What are interest groups, and what are the different types of interest groups?
How do lobbyists try to influence government and public opinion?
Do interest groups have too much power?

10. Interest Groups Section 2: Interest Groups
Organizations that seek to influence government policy
Also known as pressure groups or lobbies
Lobbies do not seek to influence elections like the political parties do.
Lobbies may represent economic interests, social interests, or general public interest.

11. Different types of interest groups:
Section 2: Interest Groups
Different types of interest groups:
Business associations, labor unions, farm organizations, veterans’ organizations, teachers’ associations, and consumer groups
Public interest groups

12. Criticism of interest groups:
Section 2: Interest Groups
Criticism of interest groups:
Interest groups are too involved in lawmaking.
Well-funded and organized groups receive too much attention; other interests are not equally represented.

13. How do lobbyists try to influence opinion?
Section 2: Interest Groups
How do lobbyists try to influence opinion?
Propose, research, and help write bills for Congress
Testify at committee hearings and may present evidence
Supply lawmakers with information
Advertise in the mass media
Supply workers and funds to election campaigns

14. How Lobbyists Influence Opinions
SECTION 2
Question: How do lobbyists try to influence government and public opinion?
How Lobbyists Influence Opinions
 Argue for or against legislation
 Ask congressmembers to sponsor bills
 Supply information, help write bills
 Testify at hearings
 Advertise
 Provide workers and contributors for candidates
 Urge people to contact public officials

15. 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?

16. Four ways of participating in government:
Section 3: Taking Part in Government
Four ways of participating in government:
Vote in local, state, and national elections
Work for political parties
Speak out on public issues
Work to improve our communities

17. Voting Section 3: Taking Part in Government
A right and a responsibility
Expresses our opinions about our leaders and their policies
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.

18. Volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns through:
Section 3: Taking Part in Government
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.

19. contacting public officials
SECTION 3
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

20. Chapter 11 Wrap-Up
1. How does the use of propaganda differ in totalitarian societies and democratic societies?
2. What is the purpose of polls? Why must polls use representative samples?
3. How do interest groups differ from political parties?
4. Identify ways that lobbyists try to influence public policy and opinion.
5. How can citizens take party in the political system?
6. Why is voting important? Why do so few Americans vote?