Unit 5: Influence on Government

Unit 5: Influence on Government

• This unit explores political parties, the election process, geopolitical/environmental factors influencing government, interest groups, and the role of media in shaping public perception of US development.

Politics - Political Parties & Elections

• The US electoral system is based on a two-party system, allowing citizens to participate in government.
• Third parties have impacted national elections and reflect the will of the people.
• Political parties involve constituents, influence government decisions, and adapt platforms based on current events.
• Geopolitical and environmental factors affect election participation and policy-making.

Influence in Government - Money, Interest Groups, & Lobbying

• Public policies are influenced by public opinion, interest groups (e.g., PACs, SuperPACs), and individual beliefs.
• Interest groups, representing specific values, shape public policy arguments.
• Different viewpoints, often held by interest groups, influence opposing policies.

The Media and the Government

• Evaluating media and government sources for accuracy is important.
• Media narratives about historical events, elections, and political parties can shape public perception.
• Political parties adapt their stances based on shifting voter preferences instead of holding fixed beliefs.
• Voters have substantial influence on political party platforms and policies.

Social Emotional Learning

• Students have diverse beliefs, so teachers should build positive relationships.
• Students' home situations could affect their views of the electoral process and fairness, which teachers need to be sensitive about.

Misconceptions to Address

• Political parties are not static; their beliefs and positions change based on voter preferences.
• Average people have a significant impact on political parties, as their participation shapes party platforms and laws.
• Understanding the government is crucial for a healthy democracy.
• The election process is not just the Electoral College itself. It includes caucuses, primaries, and election campaigns leading to the Electoral College election.

Focus NCSCOS/Essential Standards - Objectives

• Values and beliefs shape public policies and laws.
• The two-party system has significantly impacted US political culture.
• The accuracy and relationship between media and government are critical for public understanding.
• The election process effectiveness at different levels (national, state, and local) is evaluated in this unit.
• Geopolitical and environmental factors influence civic participation.
• Different perspectives of US history and those of North Carolina highlight different interpretations of past events.

Big Ideas

• There are multiple opinions on the best election procedures.
• Political parties and interest groups provide platforms for similar-minded citizens.
• Citizens can influence policymaking through the electoral process.

Unit Essential Questions

• How effective is the US election process?
• What influences public policy decisions?
• What are reliable sources of information regarding the government and media?

Key Vocabulary

• political party, political landscape, midterm/primary election, ballot, poll/polling station, referendum, precinct, geopolitics, recount, electorate, Electoral College, popular vote, general election, lobbyist, interest group

Essential Vocabulary from Previous Courses (8th)

• policy

Enrichment Vocabulary

• stability, third party, runoff, caucus, convention (political), recall, straight ticket (election), redistricting, gerrymander, disenfranchisement, initiative, disillusionment, Political Action Committee (PAC)

Key Language Uses

• Use narrative, interpret social issues, explain, and argue using specific information

CL.B.1.1

• Students understand how values and beliefs influence the creation and implementation of public policy and laws.

CL.G.1.2

• Students explain geopolitical and environmental factors influencing civic participation and voting.

CL.C&G.3.5, CL.C&G.3.6, CL.C&G.3.7

• Students examine the two-party system's impact on politics.
• Students analyze the relationship between the media and the government.
• Students assess and critique the effectiveness of the federal election process.

This quiz delves into the role of political parties, the election process, and the impact of geopolitical factors on government in the United States. Explore how interest groups and media influence public perception and policy-making. Understand the dynamics of the two-party system and the influence of money in politics.