holt, rinehart and winston1 civics in practice holt chapter 11 the political system section...
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HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON1
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Chapter 11
The Political System
Section 1:Shaping Public OpinionSection 2:Interest GroupsSection 3:Taking Part in Government
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The Main Idea
Political leaders and interest groups find many ways to shape public opinion and influence
the beliefs of American citizens.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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People’s opinions are influenced by Family, friends, schools, and interest groups. Gender and ethnicity Peer Groups Religion Information from mass media: television,
newspapers, magazines, radio, and the Internet.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
People’s opinions are influenced by (continued)
Political scientists call this political socialization
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Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat is public opinion and how is it shaped?
Is defined as the sum of many individual opinions about a public person or issue
In studying the question of public opinion three major areas are considered.
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Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat is public opinion and how is it shaped?
Public opinion is shaped by special interest groups. Political scholars believe public opinions is more
about what interest groups people associate with rather than independent ideas.
Large groups speak and represent individuals. Can you think of an interest group?
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Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat is public opinion and how is it shaped?
Public opinion is shaped by journalists, politicians, and other opinion makers. Because most Americans don’t have time to research each
issue or political figure they are interested in, they rely on other people to do the research for them
The authors of the articles, newspapers, blogs, etc have opinions that their readers or viewers are likely to adopted as their own because of the respect or trust the reader or viewers have for the authors
Trustworthy resources are necessary and one must watch for bias by the author
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Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat is public opinion and how is it shaped?
Public opinion is shaped by what politicians say it is. The last view on public opinion is the belief that if
a politician, usually a powerful one, says the people believe a certain ideas or issue that that is what the people think, regardless if there is evidence to prove it.
The idea is if the politician says it loud enough and enough times it will become the opinion of the people.
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Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat function does public opinion have in American Democracy?
Public opinion acts as a guide for political leaders What the people are thinking is important for
political leaders for law making and election campaigns.
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The importance of staying informed
Democracy requires informed citizens. Well-informed citizens must recognize
differences between facts and opinions.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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The importance of staying informed Where do Americans get their news?
1900-1950 Most Americans got their news from print media—mainly newspapers and magazines Harpers Bazaar Magazine is an example
1950-1995—Broadcast media became the main source of news. These include radio and television
Today—Electronic media has complicated the news delivery process. Many Americans today get news from cell phones, computers and other communication devices. Drudge Report is an example
http://www.drudgereport.com/
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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The importance of staying informed There are three important roles played by the
free press in a Democracy The first is serving as a watchdog over the
government. The media can report on corruption and misuses of
power by government officials.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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The importance of staying informed There are three important roles played by the
free press in a Democracy The second is to help set the public agenda
Too many events happen in the world every day to report on all of them, so the news editors and producers choose what to cover and leave out.
These decisions become the issues the public is exposed to and become the focus of the public’s attention
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The importance of staying informed There are three important roles played by the
free press in a Democracy The third is to support the free exchange of ideas,
information, and opinions. Opinion journalism—or the chatter of “talking
heads” fill the airways today. Most people tune in to these debates either to solidify opinions they already have or to listen to the arguments of the other side.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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Propaganda
Propaganda is ideas spread to influence public opinion, consumers, and voters.
Mass media and communications technology enable the spread of propaganda.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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Propaganda methods:
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
http://my.hrw.com/ss2/ss06_07_08/student/flash/civtps_prCD/click_viewer.html
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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Section 1: Shaping Public OpinionWhat function does public opinion have in American Democracy?
Public opinion acts as a guard against hasty or poorly understood decisions. When the public speaks out negatively on an issue the government knows it may have to rethink its decision making process.
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Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion What function does public opinion have in American Democracy? Public opinion acts as a glue in society by
bring together the diversity in our society around certain governmental issues or politicians.
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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.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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Measurements of public opinion: There are six important elements to consider when
looking and evaluating a political poll. The name of the polling organization or sponsor The question asked The analysis of the data gathered The date of the poll The sample size The margin of error
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Measurements of public opinion:
Types of polls Benchmark poll-this is used by a prospective
candidates to evaluate the success of a message in their campaign
Which messages to emphasize and which ones to avoid
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Measurements of public opinion:
Types of polls Tracking polls-are conducted during a campaign
to measure the day-by-day of the campaign. They act as a snapshot of trends and shifts in the attitudes of the voters.
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Measurements of public opinion: Types of polls
Exit polls—are used on Election day to predict the winners.
An exit pool is a survey of voters taken at the polling place just after voters have cast their ballots.
These polls often are used to find out how different age or ethnic groups of people voted and why.
Section 1: Shaping Public Opinion
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SECTION 1
Measuring Public Opinion
elections polls
Question: How is public opinion measured?
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The Main Idea
Interest groups work to persuade the government to adopt particular policies and address
specific issues.
Section 2: Interest Groups
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Interest Groups Organizations that seek to influence
government policy Interest groups are similar to political parties
in practice because Both engage in politics Both provide information Both seek to effect the outcomes of elections
Also known as pressure groups or lobbies
Section 2: Interest Groups
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Interest Groups--Historical James Madison warned against “factions” in
“Federalist Papers 10” Feared that groups might control the will of the
government and push their goals Hurt the individual
Believed in Pluralism Definition—many different groups influencing power
players and in competition Competition is the check on one faction becoming too
powerful
Section 2: Interest Groups
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Different types of interest groups: Economic interest—
Groups that are concerned with influencing the economic policies of this country Trade unions, AMA, Farm interests
Section 2: Interest Groups
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Different types of interest groups:
Public interest or Citizen group Concerned with issues that effect the entire
country Environment Transportation Trade
Sierra Club and SADD are examples
Section 2: Interest Groups
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Different types of interest groups:
Single Issue Groups Groups that focus on only one singe idea or
problem Abortion Gun control Examples include NOW and NAACP
Section 2: Interest Groups
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Different types of interest groups:
Government interest groups Governors associations Mayor’s associations Superintendent of Schools associations National Education Associations
Foreign Policy Interest groups Veteran's groups
Nationalities and Religions Interest Groups
Section 2: Interest Groups
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Why joing an Interest group?
To be informed Benefits of the group
Example AARP insurance Training offered by the group Agreement with the groups goals Be a part of the community
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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. Interest group can and will take out political
advertisements 527 groups Moveon Not Alex For McCain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-D3iwZ-RtA
Section 2: Interest Groups
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What makes an Interest Group effective? Size and money Unity of purpose or goal Effective leadership—Charlston Heston and
the NRA Information and expertise
Section 2: Interest Groups
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How do lobbyists and Interest groups 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
Section 2: Interest Groups
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How do lobbyists and Interest groups try to influence opinion?
Organize people at the local level Establish grassroots movements Take cases to court to challenge laws
Litigation
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How are Interest Groups are organized and funded?
Organization Elected board of directors State and National chapters
Funding Dues Membership fees
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How are Interest Groups are organized and funded?
Funding (continued) Direct mailing fundraising campaigns Some foundation grants Some government grants
Special funds PAC-Political Action Committees (527’s) Sponsored by union groups, associations, trade
groups, etc
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How are Interest Groups are organized and funded?
PAC-Political Action Committees (527’s)continued
Can donate to political parties Can spend money on political campaigns
Increasing spending by interest groups 1980=131 million 2004=310 million
Section 2: Interest Groups
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SECTION 2
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
Question: How do lobbyists try to influence government and public opinion?
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The Main IdeaAmericans can participate in government by voting and
speaking out on the issues that matter to them.
Section 3: Taking Part in Government
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Four ways of participating in government:
Electoral Specialists Vote in local, state, and national elections Volunteer for a political campaign Work as at a poll worker on election day Persuade others to get out and vote
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Four ways of participating in government: Civic Specialists
Speak out on public issues Work to improve our communities Testify at a public hearing Participate in service projects Attend public meetings Be a petitioner
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Four ways of participating in government:
Dual Activist Engage in both electoral and civic activities One day they volunteer at a homeless shelter One day they vote in local, state, and national
elections
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Four ways of participating in government:
Disengaged Don’t participate in electoral or civic projects Don’t pay attention to any information about civic
or electoral projects
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Voting Ideologies Liberals believe…
Government should be actively involved in public problems Government should regulate business, economic
inequalities, and help the poor Government should regulate and protect the environment
and improve health care Government should resist efforts to interfere in personal
lives “Left of Center”
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Voting Ideologies Conservatisms believes…
Government should have limit economic control Government should not regulate businesses Government should limit its size and reduce taxes Government should cut programs run by the
government and award private contracts to private institutions to solve social problems
Government should regulate some aspect of personal issues
“ Right of Center”
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Voting Ideologies
20% of Americans say they are liberals 30-40% of Americans say they are
conservative
Section 3: Taking Part in Government
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Voting Ideologies--Minority
Socialism believes Government should limit economic inequalities by
ensuring fair distributions of wealth Government should be in control of most economic
resources for production of goods and services Government should manage the economy In USA today, democratic socialism—believes in
help for those in need
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Voting Ideologies Libertarianism believes
Government should lower taxes and stay out of the markets
Government should also avoid regulations on personal affairs
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Voting Ideologies
Environmentalism believes.. Government should design policies to reduce
pollution and preserve natural resources Government should encourage economic and
industrial industries that support the environment not destroy it
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Voting Ideologies
Centrism believes… In a middle of the road approach Common sense policies
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Voting A right and a responsibility American hold more elections than any other
nation in the world Popular sovereignty
Political power comes from the people Aspect of being a good citizen Few Americans vote however Some historically denied the right to vote
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Voting Requirements to vote
U. S. citizen 18 years of age Resident of the state Legally registered to vote
Registration requires Form with and address verification Birth date verification Proof of identification
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Voting Motor Voter Act
Passed when Bill Clinton was president Requires states allow residents to register to vote
while applying for a drivers license Requires voter registration be provided at social
service offices and by mail
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Voting
U.S. voter turnout is one of the lowest in the world.
Presidential elections will get 50% European gets 70% U. S. elections have complex ballots
Candidates Referendums Constitutional amendments
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Voting Elections happen on workday
Hard for voters to leave No requirement to vote Majority of the states don’t allow convicted
felons in jail, on parole, or probation to vote 1-50
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Voting Expresses our opinions about our leaders and
their policies 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.
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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.
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SECTION 3
voting speaking out on issues
working for a political party
volunteering in the community
contacting public officials
How Citizens Can Participate in Government
Question: What are five ways that citizens can participate in government?
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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?
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?