Key Terms in Policy

Constitution

• A document that outlines the laws of a country.

• A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed.

• A collection of historical documents.

• A type of government system.

Lobbying

• Seeking to influence legislators to introduce or vote against a bill.

• A method of public speaking to persuade citizens.

• A process of gathering public opinion on legislation.

• A technique for organizing community events.

Interest Groups

• Organizations created to press for new laws and policies their members favor.

• Groups that oppose any changes in existing laws and policies.

• Organizations that focus solely on fundraising for political campaigns.

• Coalitions that aim to promote a single issue without regard for broader policies.

Accountable

• To be responsible for the consequences of one’s actions and decisions.

• To be free from responsibility or obligation.

• To delegate tasks to others without oversight.

• To avoid taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Policymakers

• A person responsible for making policy

• A person who enforces laws

• A person who studies economics

• A person who votes in elections

Legislation

• A collection of laws enacted by a governing body.

• A type of government policy that is not legally binding.

• A set of guidelines for ethical behavior in politics.

• A document outlining the duties of government officials.

Propaganda

• Biased information that is misleading, used to promote a cause or point of view.

• Objective information presented to inform the public.

• Data that is verified and factual.

• Information that is shared to entertain and amuse.

Public Agenda

• Topics that are at the top of the public’s concerns and have the attention of political leaders.

• A list of private interests that are not discussed publicly.

• A set of policies that only benefit a specific group.

• Issues that are ignored by political leaders and the media.

Economy

• The wealth and resources of a country or region, production and consumption of goods and services.

• A system of government that controls all aspects of life.

• The study of how people use resources to satisfy their needs and wants.

• A measure of the total value of goods and services produced in a country.

Pandemic

• A disease that is limited to a specific region.

• A disease that spreads rapidly among a population.

• A disease widespread over a whole country or world.

• A disease that is easily treatable with medication.