1.1 Public Policy and Civic Involvement Study Guide
Learning Target 1: Devise and implement a plan to address a societal problem by engaging either the political process or the public policy process.
Opportunities for civic engagement within the structures of government are made possible through political and public policy processes. Political processes are related to the acquisition of governmental power and influencing governmental decision making. Public policy processes are related to the institutional actions and procedures involved with the government carrying out its functions. Civic engagement provides opportunities to apply information literacy, problem-solving skills and communication skills in seeking resolutions for societal problems.
Learning Target 22: Take different positions on public policy issues and determine an approach for providing effective input to the appropriate level and branch (agency) of the government for each issue.
Individuals and organizations engage government officials on public policy using several methods. Individuals and organizations can:
Individuals and organizations must know the proper level and branch of government to engage at the various stages of making public policy. You will learn more about the branches and levels of government throughout this course.
- Campaign for candidates who will support their positions once in office;
- Provide information to executive branch officials on the impacts of potential rules and regulations;
- Lobby members of a legislature;
- Provide testimony before legislative committees;
- Prepare briefs to present during judicial proceedings;
- Offer comments during public meetings;
- Conduct letter-writing campaigns; and
- Hold public demonstrations.
Individuals and organizations must know the proper level and branch of government to engage at the various stages of making public policy. You will learn more about the branches and levels of government throughout this course.
