GOVT.9d - How State and Local Governments Influence Public Agenda

The student will apply social science skills to understand the process by which public policy is made by 

d) describing how the state and local governments influence the public agenda and shape public policy; 

In Virginia’s state and local governments, the public agenda is shaped by elected officials, political leaders, interest groups, the media, and individual citizens. 

The legislative acts of the state and local governments affect directly the everyday life of all Virginians. 

State and local government officials and individual citizens can shape policy through 

 direct participation in public meetings 

 personal contact with elected officials 

 service on boards and commissions 

 advocacy within the community and across the state, individually or as a member of an interest group.