Social Studies

chapter 8

policy

the plan of action of a political party or government to

achieve certain goals

platform

a formal, written statement outlining the policies of a

political party

grassroots

political action taken by ordinary people and

organizations at the local level

interest groups

organizations of people who share social,

political, and other goals, and act together to influence

governments; may be local, national, or international in scope;

also called “lobby groups” or “pressure groups”

referendum

a direct yes-or-no vote on a particular issue, policy,

or law.

stakeholders

a person who will be affected by a decision

petitions

formal requests signed by the members of the public

and presented to legislators or other authorities in support of

persons or ideas

bill

a written proposal for a law that is presented to a

legislature or parliament for approval

standing committee

a small group of elected representatives

from all parties that is selected to examine all bills relating to a

certain area of policy.

non-confidence

in a parliament, a motion by an opposition

party to try to force the government to resign over important

legislation. If more than half the members present do not

support the legislation, the government is defeated and an

election will usually be called

youth wings

groups within political parties in which young

members, including those under the voting age, can be active in

forming policy and supporting party candidates

polls

a survey of public opinion; the place where citizens go to

vote on election day.

Major influences on policy