If asked to name the senators who represent your state, could you do it? The 33rd installment of a 50-part United States and government and politics series addresses the issue of public opinion. Class members view a short video and analyze how the thoughts and ideas of the public expressed through open discussion and debate impact government policy.

Concepts

the united states government, american politics, public opinion

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Create an opinion poll for students to take regarding a key school issue and collect the results
• Assign a reading on how public opinion forms and sometimes impacts policy

Classroom Considerations

• All individuals need online access if assigning the video as homework 

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Provides primary sources and court cases for further research of key concepts
• Lesson includes a thought bubble that animates concepts for visual learners

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3