State and Local Government
Session 8: Public Policy

Materials

• Class notes
• Overhead projector

Instructional Activities

1. Review the discussions from the previous session.
   
   
2. Ask students to define public policy and discuss their responses.
   
   
3. Display the following definition on the board or overhead:
   
   Public policy is the action the government takes to address an issue, solve a problem, or meet the needs and wishes of the citizens.
   
   
4. Provide examples of various public policies, such as the following:
   •    The decision of Congress to provide federal funds to encourage companies to employ handicapped workers
   •    The decision of the president to send monetary aid to a foreign country
   •    The decision to deploy military troops to provide assistance to a foreign country
   •    The decision to pass laws governing speed limits
   •    The decision to pass a law requiring seat-belts
   
   
5. Ask students how public policy is influenced. Display the following information on the board or overhead transparency and ask students to identify how these groups can influence public policy at the different stages of the policy process:
   •    Political leaders
   •    Interest groups
   •    The media
   •    Individual citizens
   •    Discuss how each of these groups influences public policy.
   
   
6. Encourage students to suggest ways they can become involved in the political process. Make a list on the board or overhead transparency. Ensure the list includes the following:
   •    Attending political and governmental meetings
   •    Lobbying
   •    Working in campaigns
   •    Contributing money to candidates and funding causes
   •    Organizing public opinion
   •    Filing a legal challenge
   •    Petitioning government
   •    Demonstrating
   •    Running for office
   
   
7. Discuss each of these methods of influencing public policy with the students and ask them to consider which ones they would choose.
   
   
8. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity using available teacher resources.