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Influencing Government

Influencing Government. Chapter 11. Public Opinion. Section 1. 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.

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Influencing Government

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  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 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 • 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

  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 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 • Newspapers • More than 70% of adults read newspapers • Magazines • Newsletters • Books • Give deeper coverage than TV

  11. The Media’s Impact on Politics and Government • Setting the Public Agenda • Candidates and Elections • Elected Officials • Watchdog Role • 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 Pro Con Too much say in government Campaign contributions give interest groups improper influence over office holders • Most citizens have little effect on the government individually • Together, with skilled lobbyists, can make a difference

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