unit 1 INFLUENCING THE GOVERNMENT

Question 1

INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT

Answer 1

• Contacting their MP (riding leader)
• Communicating with public servants
• Letters to the editor
• Radio phone in shows

Question 2

Pressure groups (Special interest groups)

Answer 2

 Influence government policies and decisions
 Made up of people with the same viewpoint of changes in the government
 Made governments write new legislations, move airports, establish parks and reduce taxes

Question 3

Institutionalized Pressure groups and examples

Answer 3

	Well established
	LOBBYISTS
o	A person who has expertise in the group’s goal
o	Paid t represent the interests
	Examples:
o	Greenpeace
o	Amnesty international
o	Free the children

Question 4

Issue oriented groups

Answer 4

 Less permanent
 Limited aims
 Accomplished = abolished group

Question 5

Mass Media

Answer 5

• Examples: radio, newspaper, TV
• Focuses the government’s attention to issues important to society
• Journalism is free to criticize the government
• Problem: media is controlled by corporations
• Mass media reports on public opinion pulls
o Bad because people are influenced by others decisions

Question 6

Civil disobedience

Answer 6

1. Breaking or refusing an unjust law
2. To get the attention of the government
3. Usually conducted peacefully
4. People will take responsibility for the actions

Question 7

Courts

Answer 7

• Another way to influence the government
• Take your issues to court
• Courts insure that the government in aware that a new law is needed but the outcome will depend on the government’s actions

Question 8

Order in Council

Answer 8

order that is signed by the governor general after it is recommended by cabinet or committee without being discussed by parliament