WEST Middle Level Humanities: Public Influence on Government - Videos & Lessons

About This Chapter

With the activities of this chapter, review what you need to know about the forms of political participation and the interactions between interest groups, political parties and media in preparation for the WEST Middle Level Humanities test.

WEST Middle Level Humanities: Public Influence on Government - Chapter Summary

As part of a study guide course for the Washington Educator Skills Test-Endorsements (WEST-E) Middle Level Humanities this chapter will help you review the forms of political participation, the factors that influence it and the relationships and interactions between political parties, special interest groups and media. Follow along with our instructors in this series of short, engaging and mobile device friendly lesson videos as they discuss these topics and some historical examples that show the relationship between the government and the public. After these lessons you should have a firm understanding of:

Voting and alternative forms of political participation
Importance of public opinion
Types of interest groups and their history
Relationships between political parties and interests groups
Media influences on political attitudes and elections
Roosevelt's New Deals and Johnson's Great Society program
Civil Society and citizenship

Test your understanding of the material presented in these lessons by completing the quizzes that accompany them. Use the results from these assessments to discover topics that challenge you and reinforce your understanding of them by returning to the lessons with video tags or lesson transcripts. When you think you have a firm understanding of the topics of this chapter be sure to test this assumption by taking the chapter exam.

WEST Middle Level Humanities: Public Influence on Government Objectives

The propose of the WEST-E Middle Level Humanities is to assess prospective middle grades educators' mastery over middle grades level language arts and social studies. To achieve its objective test takers of this computer-based certification exam are administered two subtests, each composed of 55 multiple-choice questions. Thirty-four percent of the questions on the second subtest will test your understanding of civics and economics. Use this chapter to prepare for some of the question in this domain to ask you about the participation and influence of citizens in government.

11 Lessons in Chapter 21: WEST Middle Level Humanities: Public Influence on Government

Chapter Practice Test

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1. Political Participation in the United States: Influences & Voter Turnout

Despite an increase in the number of eligible voters, political participation in the United States seems to be on the decline. This lesson discusses influences on political participation and voter turnout.

2. Alternative Forms of Political Participation: Role & Types

Americans participate in government by voting, but they also participate in many other ways. This lesson discusses the role alternative forms of political participation play in our political involvement.

3. What is Public Opinion?

Public opinion is an expression of the general population's thoughts on a particular political issue. This lesson discusses the concept of public opinion and explores influences on public opinion.

4. What Are Interest Groups in the United States? - History & Types

The following lesson will discuss the history and types of interest groups that exist in the American political system. A short quiz will follow the lesson to check for your understanding.

5. The Relationship Between Political Parties & Interest Groups

The following lesson will cover the similarities and differences between political parties and interest groups. A short quiz will follow the lesson to check for your understanding.

6. Media's Influence on the Public's Political Attitudes

Most people make their political decisions based on impressions gained from the media. This lesson assesses the effect of media, especially newer forms of media, on the public's political attitudes.

7. The Role of Media in Elections & Other Government Activities

The media play several important roles in the campaign and election processes. This lesson examines the media's function in presidential campaigns and elections and other government activities.

8. Franklin D. Roosevelt and the First New Deal: The First 100 Days

President Franklin Roosevelt's first New Deal program represented an aggressive legislative campaign to relieve American suffering and end the Great Depression. Learn more about the first 100 days of the New Deal.

9. Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Second New Deal

President Franklin Roosevelt's second New Deal represented a more conservative approach to battling the Great Depression. Learn more about the program, including its legislation and legacy.

10. President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society Program

The Great Society was an ambitious legislative program which attempted to eliminate poverty and racial inequity within the United States. Learn about the creation of the program, its endeavors and its ultimate legacy.

11. Civil Society and Citizenship

Citizenship and civil society are important concepts in the study of political science. In this lesson, you'll learn what citizenship is and what it means for people that hold it. You'll also learn about the important role of civil society in a democracy.

Chapter Practice Exam

Test your knowledge of this chapter with a 30 question practice chapter exam.

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Practice Final Exam

Test your knowledge of the entire course with a 50 question practice final exam.

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Description

Summary:

Visit the WEST Middle Level Humanities (Subtests 1 & 2)(052/053): Practice & Study Guide page to learn more.

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