public policy sol 9a. the media informs policymakers and influences public policy
TRANSCRIPT
Mass Media
• Is made up of various forms of communication that transmits information to large numbers of people.
Public Policy
How individuals, interest groups and the media influence the actions of the government.
Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda
• Focusing public attention on selected issues.
Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda
• Offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated.
Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda
• Holding government officials accountable to the public.
Practice Poll: What do you consider the most important problem in America today?
• War in the Middle East• Terrorism• Social Security• Gas prices• Health Care• The Economy• ????
Make a bar graph of your findings.
Remember…
Many of the ideas in the mass media are directed at us for a purpose. Someone or some group is urging us to – buy something, believe something, or to act in a certain way.
What is lobbying?
• Seeking to influence legislators to introduce or vote for or against a bill.
Lobbyists work at all levels of government.
What is a lobbyist?
• Lobbyists are paid by interest groups to represent a particular issue.
Lobbyists may be former members of the legislature, lawyers, public relations experts, journalists, or specialists in particular fields.
Ways individuals influence public policy
• Participating in politics (voting, campaigning, seeking office)
How do individuals influence public policy?
• Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters)
An interest group is an
organization of people with
common interests who
try to influence gov’t policy
and decisions.
Interest groups:
-Differ in size, goals and budget -Attempt to influence both the government and public opinion -Hire lobbyists to represent their interests
Interest Groups
Interest Groups
• Describe the differences of opinion that may occur between interest groups with regard to the minimum wage law? • Employees vs. Business Owners
Types of Interest Groups
• Economic Interest Groups• Business associations, labor unions,
veteran’s organizations, etc. • Issue-Oriented Interest Groups
• They focus on a specific issue or cause. Examples: NAACP, NOW
• Public Interest Groups• Promote the interests of the general public
rather than just one part of it. These groups protect consumers, wildlife, and the environment.
Interest Groups
• Federal law prohibits interest groups from contributing money directly to political candidates, but they can contribute indirectly through political action committees (PAC’s).
• Local governments may be required to formulate, adopt, and implement policies in response to international issues and events
International issues and events that would require policy decisions by local government officials could include the following:
• Responding to public health concerns in the event of a pandemic
Which international issues and events would require local gov’t officials to act?
• Planning for public safety in the event of an act of terrorism.
Which international issues and events would require local gov’t officials to act?
• Preparing economic development policies in response to the emerging global economy.
Which international issues and events would require local gov’t officials to act?
• Implementing policies to protect the environment, e.g., wildlife conservation.
The Policy-Making Process
IndividualsInterestGroups Media
Policy-Makers
Local, State, National, & International Issues
• Where do powers of the local governments come from in Virginia?
• Virginia Constitution• Acts of the General Assembly
• Why do counties, towns, and cities adopt and enforce ordinances?
• To provide services for their residents