Project+Info

Intro Our Political Socialization unit begin with an examination of American Political Culture and Public Opinion. We learned that many Americans, unfortunately, share a general mistrust of government and that there are many cleavages when it comes to public opinion. It was during this time that we were introduced to the concept of political efficacy, which " indicates citizens' faith and trust in government and his/her own belief that he/she can understand and influence political affairs" [|Wikipedia]. In regard to the project, I should begin by telling you that although you will start thinking about a potential topic today, the project will not officially begin for a few days. In the meantime, you will be working independently but collaboratively to acquire the background knowledge needed to successfully complete the project. To jump right in would be like trying to build a house without a foundation. It just wouldn't work. So, to get started, follow the directions in the paragraph below. Then, so you have an idea of the direction we are headed in, I have included a basic outline of what your group will be doing for the project; additional directions, guidelines and a rubric will be forthcoming.

Rationale
As burgeoning political scientists and young adults, political efficacy is something we should hold near and dear to our hearts. The reason being: it is an attitude that will serve us well in daily lives for the rest of our lives. For a person to practice political efficacy, they must believe in the authenticity of local governments. (Here is where I got the name for this Wiki and your project!) This is the precondition for external efficacy, which is defined as t he belief that citizens are most effective when participating in politics (i.e. that government will respond to a well-informed electorate that is willing to act on their convictions and beliefs). We must believe that our engagement in politics will make a tangible difference and that our opinions matter before we can engage in government.

The Project
Brainstorm one or two social issues that really matter to you. If you need inspiration please consult this [|link]. Over the next three class periods (including today, you should compare your top two issues with your classmates. You should assemble groups of four to six. Prior to Day 4, and once you have your group, click the "Edit" button at the top right of this page, scroll to the bottom, and record your social issue/topic followed by the names of your fellow collaborators. Then, click the "Save" button, which is also located in the topic right. **You must have a group by Day 4.**  Your group will research past and current legislation affecting the social issue you have selected. You will then explain HOW and WHY you would like to see that law reversed, altered, or completely revised. The "how" will speak to what you don't like about the law itself. The "why" is where you provide your evidence and support for the "how." It should, of course, be rooted in empirical research. Next, you will create a Prezi, which is a 3D presentation. Finally, you will create a 5-10 question Google Form that you will send to as many people as possible to gain support and generate momentum. This coupled with your Prezi will hopefully persuade your interest group to exert influence in some way to affect public policy.  For more information on interest groups and how they influence public policy, click on Day 1 and follow the Steps to Completion.

<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Standards
<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">[|Wisconsin DPI Standards] achieved through this project: <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">** C.12.8 ** Locate, organize, analyze, and use information from various sources to understand an issue of public concern, take a position, and communicate the position   <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">** C.12.9 ** Identify and evaluate the means through which advocates influence public policy   <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">** C.12.10 ** Identify ways people may participate effectively in community affairs and the political process   <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969);">[|ISTE NETS Standards] achieved through this project: <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">**1b** Create original works as a means of personal or group expression  <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">**2a** Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media  <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">**3b** Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media  <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">**4b** Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project  <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Objectives <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">After completing this unit the student will be able to...
 * locate, organize, analyze and use information from multiple sources to understand a social issue that is important to them, take a position, and communicate the position.
 * identify and evaluate the means through which interest groups influence public policy.
 * identify ways everyday citizens can participate effectively in the political process.

<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222;">Steps to Completion
For each "Day __" there will be specific Steps to Completion that will lay out what your group should achieve for that given day. It was probably clear after reading the heading, but please follow all instructions. I have made every effort to make each step as clear as possible. However, should any issues or questions arise, please do not hesitate to ask.

<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Issue - Group Members
<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.917969); color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">