Public policy is influenced by the beliefs, values, and morals of the individuals within a society, and these beliefs and morals are a result of political socialization. However, since Americans tend to disagree, at times, about what is moral or what is best for the country, individuals must work hard to ensure that their interests and beliefs actually shape public policy.
How is it even possible for individual citizens to influence the actions and policies of a government the size of the United States? Study each of the images below, which together represent the most common ways in which individuals influence government actions. Try to guess what activity each image represents. Then click the image to see if you guessed correctly and to learn more about the ways you can exert influence over government.
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As you can see, there are various things an individual can do to impact policy and government. However, it may be difficult to see how one person can make a difference. What do all of these actions have in common? It is the collective voice that makes the difference. When hundreds or thousands of individuals tell officials what they want them to do, either by contacting them or by voting, it can impact policy. The collective voice is also what grassroots movements are about, a topic you will explore next.
Complete the following activity to review the ways in which an individual can influence policy and government.
