The Role of Public Opinion in the Political Process
Chapter 9:
The Political Process
The work of
government is
accomplished
through the political
process. Public
opinion, interest
groups, and political
parties all play a vital
role in the process.
Section 1: Public Opinion
Public opinion is the collection of views that people hold
on public issues. Public opinion is important because it
often influences the political process and affects the
actions the government takes.
Do Now
Why do you think public opinion is
so important to our government?
O
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E
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Learning Goals
Describe public opinion.
Describe how public
opinion is formed.
Analyze how the media
affects public opinion.
Explain how public
opinion is measured.
What is the
electoral process
established by
the Constitution,
and how can
citizens affect it?
I. What is Public Opinion?
A.
Public Opinion: Combined views of a
segment of society on an issue.
B.
Public Policy: Choices the gov’t.
makes and its actions in response to
an issue.
C.
Expressing Public Opinion
i.
Letters, blogs, protests, interest
groups, voting
D.
Political Socialization: Process by
which people acquire political beliefs.
i.
Family
ii.
School & Work
iii.
Other Personal Factors: Age, race, gender,
religion, etc.
Partner Project
1.
You will work with a partner to create a public
opinion poll.
1. You need to create 5 questions relevant to our
discussions in government class.
2. Go around the class and ask our sample your
question.
3. Tally up your results
3. Create a Pie Chart and a Bar Chart with your
results.
II. Media & Public Opinion
i.
Mass Media
i.
“Yellow Journalism”
ii.
Roles of Media
i.
Choosing issues, issues or interest stories
iii.
Criticism of Media
i.
Bias: Errors introduced into polling to favor
an outcome.
ii.
Factual Inaccuracy: Careless about
correct facts.
iii.
Media Consolidation: All news owned by a
few companies.
iv.
Future of Media
i.
Propaganda: Statements meant to
influence public opinion.
III. Measuring Public Opinion
A.
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9-1: Exit Slip
1.
Body of ideas shared by a segment of
society on issues of interest or concern.
2.
Process by which people acquire political
beliefs.
3.
Statements meant to influence public
opinion or promote a cause or viewpoint.
4.
Group of people who take part in a poll.
5.
Freedom from bias and outside factors.
Section 2:
Interest Groups
Interest groups are
private organizations
that try to influence
public opinion and
convince public
officials to accept their
goals and views. They
give political power to
segments of society
that have similar views.
Do Now
What is the most
important issue to
you and why?
(Example: Abortion,
Terrorism,
Education)
O
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E
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Q
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Learning Goals
Explain what interest groups
are, and what role they play in
the political process.
Describe what different types
of interest groups exist.
Describe how interest groups
work.
Analyze whether interest
groups serve the public good.
How do
interest
groups
influence
elections?
I. Interest Groups & what they Do
A.
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C.
Organizing Interests: Anyone can
start one.
D.
Encourage Participation in politics
E.
Supplying Info to voters and
politicians
Activity: Part 1
You and your partner will be
creating your own Interest
Group.
Identify a shared interest and
define what position you want to
take on that topic.
II. Types of Interest Groups
A.
Agricultural Groups: Farm bureau,
potato Council
B.
Business Groups: Chamber of
Commerce, Snack Food Association
C.
Labor Groups: Unions
D.
Cause-Based Groups: PETA,
MADD,
E.
Societal Groups: Organization for
Women, AARP
F.
Professional Groups: AMA, AMBA
Activity: Part 2
Decide how you are going to engage
in the political process.
Do you want to write a letter, conduct
a survey, create a public opinion poll
about your topic?
List main ideas for your letter or create
questions for your survey/poll.
III. Functions of Interest Groups
A.
Endorsing Candidates
: Publicly
declare support.
B.
Lobbying
: To persuade a public official
to vote your way.
C.
Informing Public Opinion
: Grassroots
means to talk to individuals one at a
time.
D.
Filing Lawsuits
: Brown v. Board of
Edu.
E.
Benefits
: Gives strength to individuals
usually ignored.
F.
Criticisms
: Too much influence w/
money and only serving limited wants.
Activity: Part 3
Write your letter to your
member of Congress.
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.
Exit Slip
1.
What are interest groups?
2.
Interest groups use political action committees to
________________.
3.
What type of interest group is Mothers Against Drunk
Driving (MADD)?
4.
The practice of interest groups contacting public
officials to persuade them to support the groups’
positions is known as_____________________.
5.
What prompted Congress to pass legislation in 2007
that placed limits on some types of interest group
activity?
Section 3:
Political Parties
Political Parties are
formal organizations that
work to elect candidates
to public office. Our
political system is
dominated by two major
parties, but other parties
are actively involved in
the system.
Do Now
Which political
party do you think
you would be most
likely to vote for
and explain why
you feel compelled
to vote for that
party.
O
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j
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c
t
i
v
e
s
E
s
s
e
n
t
i
a
l
Q
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s
t
i
o
n
Learning Goals
Describe political parties
and what role they play in
the political process.
Explain how the two-party
political system works.
Analyze how political
parties are organized.
Explain how political parties
serve the public good.
What is the
main purpose
of a political
party at all
levels of its
organization?
I. The Role of Political Parties
A.
Political Party: Organization that tries to elect its
members to public office.
B.
Political Spectrum: Continuum of social and political
beliefs.
C.
3 Main Roles
i.
Nomination Process: Naming a candidate for
elective office.
ii.
Electoral Process: Issues, brand name, help
electorate register to vote, hold politicians
accountable.
iii.
Run Government: Majority party chooses who runs
the Congress, and President appoints people.
Activity: Part 1
You will be creating your
own political party.
Will you be conservative or
liberal or in-between?
Create a name & Symbol.
II. American Two-Party System
A.
Party Systems
i.
One-party system: 1 party controls
gov’t.
ii.
Two-party system: 2 parties compete
to control gov’t.
iii.
Multiparty system: Several parties
compete for control (Most common
around the world).
B.
American Political Parties
i.
Third Party: Any party that isn’t one
of the major two political parties.
ii.
Independent Candidates: Candidate
not associated with any party.
Activity: Part 2
You will need to create a platform for these areas:
Taxes
• National Debt/ Deficit
Military Spending & use
• Morality
Education
• Immigration
Abortion
• Terrorism
Gay Marriage
• Health Care
Gun Control
• School Lunches
III. Party Organization & Critics
A.
Local parties
i.
Precinct: Smallest unit for local voting.
ii.
Ward: Voting district made up of several
precincts.
B.
State parties: Support & try to elect
local, state, & national candidates.
C.
National Parties: Committees for fund-
raising, supporting campaigns, &
attracting voters.
D.
Benefits: Filters out extremes, Broad
base of supporters.
E.
Criticisms: Lack loyalty, personal
success than nat’l. success, partisan.
1. The body of people entitled to vote.
2. A system of choosing candidates to run for
elective office.
3. A voting district made up of several precincts.
4. An organization that tries to get its members
elected to public office so that its views shape
public policy.
5. The smallest unit for administering elections
and local voting.
6. Any political party in a two-party system other
than the two major ones.
Section 4:
The Electoral Process
The Constitution creates
a system in which
citizens elect
representatives to public
office. Each citizen has
the responsibility to help
make this system work.
Citizens can affect the
electoral process in many
ways, but the most
powerful is by voting on
election day.
Do Now
What is the issue that
you feel strongly
enough about to decide
who you would vote
for? Explain why you
feel that way about the
issue. Which party do
you think supports your
feelings on that issue?
O
b
j
e
c
t
i
v
e
s
E
s
s
e
n
t
i
a
l
Q
u
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s
t
i
o
n
Learning Goals
Describe how a political
campaign is organized and
financed.
Explain how candidates are
chosen for an election.
Analyze the four factors that
may influence voting and voting
behavior.
Explain how political campaigns
serve the public good.
What are the
two basic
requirements a
person must
meet to be
eligible to
vote?
I. Financing Campaigns & Nominations
A.
Financing Campaigns
i.
Hard Money: Money donated to an individual
campaign.
ii.
Soft Money: Money given to a party, rather than
a candidate.
B.
Choosing Candidates
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II. Voting & Voter Behavior
A.
Voter Turnout
i.
66% of Americans vote for Prez.
ii.
40% in non-prez elections.
B.
Voting Requirements.
i.
U.S. Citizen & 18 yrs. Old
ii.
Resident of state you’re voting in.
C.
Voter Behavior (4 Factors)
i.
Party identification
ii.
Issues
iii.
Candidate’s background
iv.
Voter’s background
III. More about Elections
A.
Plurality: Candidate with more votes than
anyone else.
B.
Federal Elections
i.
1
st
Tuesday following 1
st
Monday in Nov. on even
years.
ii.
A
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C.
Elections & Public Good
i.
Express your opinion on how the country should
be run.
ii.
Campaigns give out lots of info to voters.
D.
Criticisms
i.
30 second commercials not reliable &
misleading.
ii.
Negative ads keep voters away.
1. State and federal laws regulate how much ____,
or money donated to an individual campaign,
people can donate to a political candidate.
2. _______ is money given to a party, rather than to
a candidate.
3. One of the most famous ___________ for
president was Eugene V. Debs, a leader of the
Socialist Party.
4. In some states, candidates for election are
chosen by a meeting of party members called a(n)
____________________.
5. In a direct _____________________, the party’s
candidate for office is chosen directly by voters.
The political process involves the interaction of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties. Public opinion, shaped by factors like media and socialization, influences government actions. This chapter discusses the significance of public opinion, its formation, and measurement through polls. Partner projects focus on creating public opinion polls, while media's impact on public opinion and criticism are also explored.
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Presentation Transcript
Chapter 9: The Political Process The work of government is accomplished through the political process. Public opinion, interest groups, and political parties all play a vital role in the process.
Section 1: Public Opinion Public opinion is the collection of views that people hold on public issues. Public opinion is important because it often influences the political process and affects the actions the government takes.
Do Now Why do you think public opinion is so important to our government?
Learning Goals Essential Question Objectives Describe public opinion. Describe how public opinion is formed. Analyze how the media affects public opinion. Explain how public opinion is measured. What is the electoral process established by the Constitution, and how can citizens affect it?
I. What is Public Opinion? A. Public Opinion: Combined views of a segment of society on an issue. B. Public Policy: Choices the gov t. makes and its actions in response to an issue. C. Expressing Public Opinion i. Letters, blogs, protests, interest groups, voting D. Political Socialization: Process by which people acquire political beliefs. i. Family ii. School & Work iii. Other Personal Factors: Age, race, gender, religion, etc.
Partner Project 1. You will work with a partner to create a public opinion poll. 1. You need to create 5 questions relevant to our discussions in government class. 2. Go around the class and ask our sample your question. 3. Tally up your results 3. Create a Pie Chart and a Bar Chart with your results.
II. Media & Public Opinion i. Mass Media Yellow Journalism ii. Roles of Media i. Choosing issues, issues or interest stories iii. Criticism of Media i. Bias: Errors introduced into polling to favor an outcome. ii. Factual Inaccuracy: Careless about correct facts. iii. Media Consolidation: All news owned by a few companies. iv. Future of Media i. Propaganda: Statements meant to influence public opinion. i.
III. Measuring Public Opinion A. Poll: A survey of people scientifically selected to provide opinions. B. Sample: Group of people who take part in the poll. C. Sampling Error: Indicates a poll s accuracy. D. Objectivity: Freedom from bias and outside influences. E. Exit Poll: Randomly selected fraction of voters after they have voted.
9-1: Exit Slip 1.Body of ideas shared by a segment of society on issues of interest or concern. 2.Process by which people acquire political beliefs. 3.Statements meant to influence public opinion or promote a cause or viewpoint. 4.Group of people who take part in a poll. 5.Freedom from bias and outside factors.
Section 2: Interest Groups Interest groups are private organizations that try to influence public opinion and convince public officials to accept their goals and views. They give political power to segments of society that have similar views.
Do Now What is the most important issue to you and why? (Example: Abortion, Terrorism, Education)
Learning Goals Essential Question Objectives Explain what interest groups are, and what role they play in the political process. Describe what different types of interest groups exist. Describe how interest groups work. Analyze whether interest groups serve the public good. How do interest groups influence elections?
I. Interest Groups & what they Do A. Special Interest Group: Association of people who hold similar views. B. Political Action Committee (PACs): Organization to raise money for candidates C. Organizing Interests: Anyone can start one. D. Encourage Participation in politics E. Supplying Info to voters and politicians
Activity: Part 1 You and your partner will be creating your own Interest Group. Identify a shared interest and define what position you want to take on that topic.
II. Types of Interest Groups A. Agricultural Groups: Farm bureau, potato Council B. Business Groups: Chamber of Commerce, Snack Food Association C. Labor Groups: Unions D. Cause-Based Groups: PETA, MADD, E. Societal Groups: Organization for Women, AARP F. Professional Groups: AMA, AMBA
Activity: Part 2 Decide how you are going to engage in the political process. Do you want to write a letter, conduct a survey, create a public opinion poll about your topic? List main ideas for your letter or create questions for your survey/poll.
III. Functions of Interest Groups A. Endorsing Candidates: Publicly declare support. B. Lobbying: To persuade a public official to vote your way. C. Informing Public Opinion: Grassroots means to talk to individuals one at a time. D. Filing Lawsuits: Brown v. Board of Edu. E. Benefits: Gives strength to individuals usually ignored. F. Criticisms: Too much influence w/ money and only serving limited wants.
Activity: Part 3 Write your letter to your member of Congress. Conduct your poll/survey with your sample .
Exit Slip 1. What are interest groups? 2. Interest groups use political action committees to ________________. 3. What type of interest group is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)? 4. The practice of interest groups contacting public officials to persuade them to support the groups positions is known as_____________________. 5. What prompted Congress to pass legislation in 2007 that placed limits on some types of interest group activity?
Section 3: Political Parties Political Parties are formal organizations that work to elect candidates to public office. Our political system is dominated by two major parties, but other parties are actively involved in the system.
Do Now Which political party do you think you would be most likely to vote for and explain why you feel compelled to vote for that party.
Learning Goals Objectives Essential Question Describe political parties and what role they play in the political process. Explain how the two-party political system works. Analyze how political parties are organized. Explain how political parties serve the public good. What is the main purpose of a political party at all levels of its organization?
I. The Role of Political Parties A. Political Party: Organization that tries to elect its members to public office. B. Political Spectrum: Continuum of social and political beliefs. C. 3 Main Roles i. Nomination Process: Naming a candidate for elective office. ii. Electoral Process: Issues, brand name, help electorate register to vote, hold politicians accountable. iii. Run Government: Majority party chooses who runs the Congress, and President appoints people.
Activity: Part 1 You will be creating your own political party. Will you be conservative or liberal or in-between? Create a name & Symbol.
II. American Two-Party System A. Party Systems i. One-party system: 1 party controls gov t. ii. Two-party system: 2 parties compete to control gov t. iii. Multiparty system: Several parties compete for control (Most common around the world). B. American Political Parties i. Third Party: Any party that isn t one of the major two political parties. ii. Independent Candidates: Candidate not associated with any party.
Activity: Part 2 You will need to create a platform for these areas: Taxes Military Spending & use Education Abortion Gay Marriage Gun Control National Debt/ Deficit Morality Immigration Terrorism Health Care School Lunches
III. Party Organization & Critics A. Local parties i. Precinct: Smallest unit for local voting. ii. Ward: Voting district made up of several precincts. B. State parties: Support & try to elect local, state, & national candidates. C. National Parties: Committees for fund- raising, supporting campaigns, & attracting voters. D. Benefits: Filters out extremes, Broad base of supporters. E. Criticisms: Lack loyalty, personal success than nat l. success, partisan.
1. The body of people entitled to vote. 2. A system of choosing candidates to run for elective office. 3. A voting district made up of several precincts. 4. An organization that tries to get its members elected to public office so that its views shape public policy. 5. The smallest unit for administering elections and local voting. 6. Any political party in a two-party system other than the two major ones.
Section 4: The Electoral Process The Constitution creates a system in which citizens elect representatives to public office. Each citizen has the responsibility to help make this system work. Citizens can affect the electoral process in many ways, but the most powerful is by voting on election day.
Do Now What is the issue that you feel strongly enough about to decide who you would vote for? Explain why you feel that way about the issue. Which party do you think supports your feelings on that issue?
Learning Goals Objectives Describe how a political campaign is organized and financed. Explain how candidates are chosen for an election. Analyze the four factors that may influence voting and voting behavior. Explain how political campaigns serve the public good. Essential Question What are the two basic requirements a person must meet to be eligible to vote?
I. Financing Campaigns & Nominations A. Financing Campaigns i. Hard Money: Money donated to an individual campaign. ii. Soft Money: Money given to a party, rather than a candidate. B. Choosing Candidates Write-in Candidates: Announce they re running but voters have to write their name into ballot. Caucus: Meeting of party members to choose candidate. Direct Primary: Party candidate chosen by voters. Closed Primary: Only registered party members vote. Open Primary: Any registered voter can vote for candidate.
II. Voting & Voter Behavior A. Voter Turnout i. 66% of Americans vote for Prez. ii. 40% in non-prez elections. B. Voting Requirements. i. U.S. Citizen & 18 yrs. Old ii. Resident of state you re voting in. C. Voter Behavior (4 Factors) i. Party identification ii. Issues iii. Candidate s background iv. Voter s background
III. More about Elections A. Plurality: Candidate with more votes than anyone else. B. Federal Elections i. 1stTuesday following 1stMonday in Nov. on even years. ii. Absentee Ballot: Ballot submitted on or before election day by someone that cannot be present election day. C. Elections & Public Good i. Express your opinion on how the country should be run. ii. Campaigns give out lots of info to voters. D. Criticisms i. 30 second commercials not reliable & misleading. ii. Negative ads keep voters away.
1. State and federal laws regulate how much ____, or money donated to an individual campaign, people can donate to a political candidate. 2. _______ is money given to a party, rather than to a candidate. 3. One of the most famous ___________ for president was Eugene V. Debs, a leader of the Socialist Party. 4. In some states, candidates for election are chosen by a meeting of party members called a(n) ____________________. 5. In a direct _____________________, the party s candidate for office is chosen directly by voters.
