HIST 101Unit 5 Answers (2018-2019). AP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Unit 5- Political Participation – Review Packet
Governing is achieved directly
... [Show More] through citizen participation and indirectly through institutions (e.g., political parties, interest
groups, and mass media) that inform, organize, and mobilize support to influence government and politics, resulting in
many venues for citizen influence on policy making.
The principle of self-government is dependent on both citizen participation and the operation of the various linkage
institutions that help citizens connect with the government. These institutions help people become a part of the policymaking process.
Playing an important role in this process, the media report public opinion data and can sometimes influence the formation
of that opinion as well. The accuracy of public opinion data is dependent upon the scientific polling methods that are used,
and the results of these opinion polls are often used as a means of political influence. The role the media play in this
process is at times criticized for the bias demonstrated in the format, context, and content of information distributed as
well as the manner in which that bias impacts public understanding of political information. Social media poses both
opportunities and challenges for democratic participation.
Social movements, political parties, and interest groups also serve to connect the electorate with the government by
influencing the manner in which people relate to and participate in its composition, functions, and policy-making agenda.
Various social movements develop in response to conditions perceived as negatively impacting specific groups of people;
their political strategies are aimed at changing public policy in a way that benefits the adversely impacted group. Political
parties run campaigns in an attempt to win office and make policy consistent with their platform and goals. Over time
political parties respond to election results, campaign laws, and changes in the way information is disseminated to the
public. Even though political parties are designed to connect the people with government, there are various barriers that
interfere with this connection, even to the extent of preventing candidates who represent interests outside the two major
parties from being elected. Finally, interest groups exist as a form of political participation for people with particular policy [Show Less]