Influencing Government

Influencing and Monitoring Government

How do INDIVIDUALS influence our Government?

• VOTING

• PETITION ELECTED OFFICIALS (write letters for change)

• On Test these are your Answers

How does MEDIA influence and monitor Government?

They are the WATCHDOG of public official behavior.

Inform voters with information.

• Media = newspapers, magazines, radio, commercials, written publications, journalism

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How do INTEREST GROUPS influence Government?

INTEREST GROUPS

= a group of people who have a common goal to influence and change public legislation (laws)

• Make sure the views of the group are safeguarded.

• Hire LOBBYISTS to influence lawmakers.

Lobbyist = a person who harrasses a lawmaker to make laws benefiting the Interest Group.

(Test Answer is "Lobbyist")

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES (PAC)

A group of rich people who DONATE MONEY to political candidates and their campaigns.

On test, your Answer will have the words "donate", "contribute", or "money".

EVALUATING CANDIDATES

Your EOC exam will have a question that asks you to choose the best candidate from a choice of two people.

You will be given facts and information about each candidate.

In your Answer choices always pick the choice that has the word "EXPERIENCE" in it.

a. Larry is a doctor.

b. Jim has a college degree.

c. Larry volunteers at a homeless shelter.

d. Jim has more experience in politics.

Multiple Choice

One way an INDIVIDUAL can impact government is by _____________.

• Voting at an election.

• Watching the television.

• Reading the newspaper.

• Listening to a radio debate.

Multiple Choice

One way the MEDIA can positively impact the government is by __________.

• Refusing to interview political candidates.

• Petitioning local lawmakers.

• Being a Watchdog and investigating and reporting government activity.

• Writing untrue stories about potentially bad candidates.

Multiple Choice

INTEREST GROUPS hire ________ to work with elected officials to get laws passed.

• Ambassadors.

• Senators.

• Political consultants.

• Lobbyists.

Multiple Choice

This group promotes a particular candidate by raising money, showing advertisements, and helps getting the candidate elected.

• Political Action Committee.

• Legislative bodies.

• Lobbyists.

• Propaganda director.

Multiple Choice

Mary and Jose are running for class President. Mary: good at music, good grades, and plays sports. Jose: student government advisor, club volunteer, and knows politics. Pick the best candidate.

• Mary because she has good grades.

• Mary because she is a great person.

• Jose because he has more government experience.

• Jose because he volunteers in a club.