Interest Groups
What strategy is being used when Interest Groups: use the court system to change societal laws?
Litigation
What role of Mass Media is being portrayed in this scenario?
"A news reporter for the New York Times is keeping a close eye on the third party candidates response to a recent natural disaster in Hawaii."
Watchdog
Define "Public Opinion"
the attitudes held by a significant number of people on matters of government and politics
What is the purpose of propaganda?
To persuade the reader/viewer.
One of the most famous examples of this interest group strategy was the 1952 Supreme Court case, Brown v. The Board of Education. In this case, the NAACP effectively argued that schools should be desegregated and the Supreme Court mandated that it should happen.
Litigation
Explain "electioneering" in terms of Interest Groups.
Groups support candidates financially and through gaining member support for the candidate
This type of person has an unusually strong influence on the views of others.
An Opinion Leader
Explain two ways that schools impact public opinion.
Basic American values are taught
Pledge of Allegiance
Patriotic songs
National heroes (G. Washington, A. Lincoln, MLK, etc.)
Requirement to take Civics and Government classes
Children often have profound learning experiences in school
Students witness new ideas
Celebrities or famous individuals are usually used in what type of propaganda?
Testimonials
Explain "appealing to the public" in terms of Interest Groups.
Seeking to cultivate a positive public opinion of the organization.
Based on your knowledge, what type of interest group would "GreenPeace" be?
Enviornmental
A news report states that "Election 2084 polls show Sally with slim lead in Nebraska, wider lead nationally, with 5 days to go."
Which role is the media playing based on this headline?
Scorekeeper
What are "public affairs"?
include politics, public issues, and the making of public policies – those events and issues that concern the people at large.
Define the propaganda technique "Bandwagon."
“Jumping on the bandwagon” describes people choosing to go along with the rest of the crowd. Bandwagon propaganda creates the impression that there is widespread support for a thing or idea. People tend to want to be on the winning team and try to avoid being the odd one out. These messages create a sense of peer pressure to join in.
What is the process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions?
Political Socialization
Explain "lobbying" in terms of Interest Groups.
Communicating with a governmental decision maker in hopes of influencing a decision
Explain "gatekeeping" in terms of Mass Media.
When the media "frames" a topic by highlighting certain aspects of an issue, which role are they playing?
What is the BEST way to measure Public Opinion?
Scientific Opinion Polls
What type of propaganda is defined as "this technique always shows the subject of the message in a positive light, but provides little or no information. Use simple, clever slogans that appeal to people's’ emotions. These general statements are easy to remember but hard to verify because they offer no facts."
Glittering Generalities
Other than scientific opinion polls, what are two ways to measure public opinion?
1. elections
2. media
3. personal contacts
Define Interest Groups.
An organization of people with similar goals who enter the political process to try to achieve those aims
Can influence any level of government
Support and promote candidates
Specialize in policies
What is considered the "new parent" of socialization?
If Public opinion only refers to issues relating to PUBLIC AFFAIRS (politics, public issues, public policies, etc.), provide an example of something that is NOT a "public opinion."
Yankees v. Red Sox
Other examples approved by Ms. Sloan
Define the "Card stacking" Propaganda technique.
Card stacking uses facts and figures to show one side as positive and the other side as negative. The message shows only positive information about the person, product, or idea being promoted, and it shows only damaging information about the opposition or competition. This technique is designed to make you think you are hearing both sides. In reality, you are actually hearing only one perspective.
Which Government Agency oversees the media (radio, TV, etc.)?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)