Civics 6.4-6.6

informed citizenry - people must be aware of laws that govern society

both citizens and government must work together to make sure that the public knows what is and is not legal

Note: "ignorance of the law is no excuse"

1. Town Meetings

2. Public Hearings

3. Public Forums

4. Media

1. Press releases

2. Internet websites

3. Accessible public officials

4. Government publications

5. Political debate

6. Franking privilege

7. Special Task Forces

Both influence public policy

Lobbyists are paid to influence legislation on a particular issue

Interest groups promote a particular cause or position

economic interests - interests involving money

business interest will cause corporations to hire lobbyists to push for or against certain legislation

Chamber of Commerce - local and voluntary joint organization of local businesses focused on growth

Labor Unions - goal is to unify and represent workers who work in the same, or similar industries

Agricultural groups provide aid to farmers in times of economic hardship

ex. American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union

professional groups lobby Congress for groups which require specialized training such as law and medicine

ex. American Bar Association

Non-Economic interests where money is not a driving force

ideological belief - promote a principle or moral cause

Public Interest groups vs. Single Interest groups ex. Veterans of Foreign Wars

Think tanks are organizations which were established for research, studying, and providing advice about important issues.

ex. economics or foreign policy