Unit 6 Public Policy

Which shows the media (news, internet, papers, etc.) influencing public policy?

• Writing letters to a Congressman

• Interviewing politicians about current legislation

• Discussing the lifestyle of a politician's family

• Lobbying members of Congress

The media influences public policy in all the following ways EXCEPT

• broadcasts candidates voting records

• focuses attention on selected issues

• tells people who to vote for

• broadcasts opposing points of view

Which of these best shows the media focusing (lots of) public attention on a specific issue?

• The local news station runs a week-long story about the condition of schools in the state.

• A debate is held between the Republican candidates seeking the nomination for Presidency.

• The governor is interviewed about a scheme to redraw district lines to favor his party.

• A press conference is held to question the President on the removal of troops from Iraq.

Which of the following shows the media offering a get together for opposing viewpoints?

• A news story focuses on a local school's plan for improving test scores.

• A headline about a government official's mishandling of state funds.

• A press conference regarding a controversial decision made by the governor.

• A debate is held between the candidates running for governor.

Select 3 examples of public policy being implemented (created & put into action)

• A lawmaker gives a speech on women's rights.

• Lawmakers pass wage and hour laws.

• The President passes an executive order relating to gun laws.

• People protest the building of a new shopping mall.

• Lawmakers pass the Violence Against Women Act.

An issue becomes part of the public agenda (gets attention) because it is (pick 3)—

• an executive order

• part of a larger trend

• a Supreme Court decision

• publicized in speeches

• addressed by an interest group

Which is NOT an example of the President using an executive order to change public

policy in the United States?

• President Eisenhower issued an order to send troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to manage the mobs.

• An executive order was issued by President Clinton allowing troops to deploy to the Balkans.

• President Ronald Reagan used an order in 1984 to prevent the use of federal funds for abortion.

• To desegregate military forces, an order was issued by President Truman.

Policy being created —

• tries to put an issue on the agenda through speeches

• determines the government response to the national agenda

• is solved by only federal government and no other level

• is handled by bureaucrats and reporters who care about the issue

What is NOT a way that public opinion influences US public policy of the President?

• The international community can put pressure on the President to make public policy decisions.

• Public opinion can be used by the President to pass something in Congress.

• Catering to public opinion can help a President get reelected.

• The way citizens may feel about a policy affects the President's decisions.

Recently, news in the US broadcasted details of floods in Asia. The cameras showed how the flood damage. How would US residents likely respond to help? (2)

• Organize fundraisers to provide aid to the flood victims

• Stop visiting beaches to avoid being affected by floods

• Avoid watching news channels to prevent having nightmares

• Give blood and supplies to provide emergency relief