1. Influencing Government
Chapter 11

2. Public Opinion
Section 1

3. Why is Public Opinion Important?
Helps shape the government’s decisions
Helps determine the timing of decisions
Not uniform – varies widely
“I cannot go any faster than the people will let me.”
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt

4. Forming Public Opinion
Personal Background
The Mass Media
Public Officials
Interest Groups

5. Components of Public Opinion
Direction
On any given topic, is it positive, negative or mixed?
Intensity
How strongly do people feel about the issue?
Stability
How likely are opinions on this issue to change?
Approval Ratings of FDR

6. Measuring Public Opinion
Election Results
Show only a broad measure of public opinion
Not very specific
Public Opinion Polls
More accurate
Random Samples
Reflects the characteristics of the entire population in a small group

7. Polls and Democracy Pro Con
Allows officeholders to keep in touch with the citizens views
Don’t have to wait for elections to see if the people approve or disapprove of the government
Makes officials more concerned with following the public than leading
Distort elections – focus on who is winning rather than the issues
Discourage people from voting

8. The Framers and Public Opinion
Wanted to allow for public rule, but insulate leaders from the shifting whims of the people
Public opinion does help shape public policy, but there are other factors at work:
Interest groups
Political Parties
Mass Media
Other Institutions
of government
Individuals

9. The Mass Media
Section 2

10. Types of Media Print Media Electronic Media Newspapers Magazines
More than 70% of adults read newspapers
Magazines
Newsletters
Books
Give deeper coverage than TV
Radio
Television
98% of homes have a TV
Internet
Allows people to get news and ideas whenever they want.
Can get much more information than from TV or radio sound bites

11. The Media’s Impact on Politics and Government
Setting the Public Agenda
Elected Officials
Watchdog Role
Candidates and Elections
Media and National Security

12. Protecting the Media Democracy requires a free flow of information
First Amendment
Freedom from prior restraint
Limits of freedom of the press
Libel
National Security
Broadcast regulation – who gets airtime
FCC

13. Interest Groups
Section 3

14. Types of Interest Groups
Economic Interest Groups
Private Interest Groups
Public Interest Groups

15. Influencing Government
Election Activities
Going to Court
Lobbying Lawmakers

16. Techniques of Interest Groups
Direct mail campaigns
TV and Radio Ads
Protests
Public Events
Propaganda

17. Types of Propaganda Endorsements Stacked Cards Name-Calling
Glittering Generality
Symbols
Just Plain Folks
The Bandwagon

18. Regulation of Interest Groups
1971 – Federal Election Campaign Act
1946 – Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act
Only covers full-time lobbyists: 20-25%
No enforcement
Officials must wait to become lobbyists
Time varies from state to state
Doesn’t really work

19. Pros and Cons of Interest Groups and Lobbying
Most citizens have little effect on the government individually
Together, with skilled lobbyists, can make a difference
Too much say in government
Campaign contributions give interest groups improper influence over office holders