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Explain how individuals and organizations play a role within federal, state and local governments in helping to determine public (domestic and foreign) policy

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Explain how individuals and organizations play a role within federal, state and local governments in helping to determine public (domestic and foreign) policy

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Organizations that measure public opinion indirectly affect public policy. “The mass media often reflect public attitudes fairly well because they speak to a broad audience. Newspapers, magazines, and television and radio programs reflect the interests of the public” (Democracy 19). By asking certain questions and stating different facts, they influence the opinion of individuals who then vote and take part in different political things. One thing that lets people get directly involved is “interest groups often stage massive e-mail-writing campaigns, where people can sign up online to send a standardized e-mail to their elected officials” (Democracy 19). This helps them play a role by being able to communicate with legislators.

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In what ways can public opinion affect government policy?

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In what ways can public opinion affect government policy?

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The government does take into account public opinion, “Research shows that the government is responsive to public opinion—the wishes of the people” (Democracy 19). Voting allows people to express their political opinions which then causes changes in government policy through whoever gets elected. In measuring public opinions, they may realize certain methods aren’t working, thefore changing the policy on how things are done. Since we live in a Democracy, the public’s opinion is valued by the government