U. S. Government/Public Policy
- Media, individuals, interest groups, and lobbyists influence policy
I. The Media and Public Policy
editThe media informs policymakers and influences public policy.
- Ways the media play an important role in setting the public agenda
- Focusing public attention on selected issues
- Offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated
- Holding government officials accountable to the public.
Government officials use the media to communicate with the public.
II. Individuals, Interest Groups and Public Policy
editIndividuals and interest groups influence public policy.
- Lobbying: Seeking to influence legislators to introduce/vote for/vote against a bill.
- Ways individuals influence public policy
- Participating in politics (seeking office, voting, campaigning)
- Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters)
- Joining interest groups1
- Ways interest groups influence public policy
- Identifying issues
- Making political contributions
- Lobbying government officials
III. Local government, international issues, and public policy
editLocal governments may be required to formulate, adopt, and implement public 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: