Skip Navigation

Button that takes you to the Problem Based Learning model page. Button that takes you to the references page. Button that takes you to the related links page. Button that takes you to the glossary page. Button that takes you to the modules and activities page. Button that takes you to the teacher pages. Button that takes you to the home page.Image map of some Temperate Rainforest puzzle pieces.  Please have someone assist you with this.

Button that takes you to the Situation page.
Image that says Recommending Policies.
Image of the capitol building.Situation: Recommending Policies
A policy is a definite plan of action that guides and determines present and future decisions. Governmental agencies dictate public policy. They are influenced by the public, however. The government enacts public policy through laws or regulations in response to public opinion on issues such as civil rights, education, and the environment. Public opinion is shaped by factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and education. Those who keep themselves informed on an issue usually have strong opinions on the issue. They are also likely to let their elected officials know of their position. How do these individuals let officials know? Photo: Gayle W. Croft

Among other sources, public opinions come to the attention of the government via special interest groups, opinion polls, and lobbyists. These vehicles bring pressure upon officials to formulate policies that reflect particular interests.

Special interest groups are essential to making policy in a democratic society, but they have two drawbacks. First, it is human nature to support an opinion or policy that will be of greatest benefit to oneself, one's family, or one's organization. Second, pressure exerted on governmental agencies by these groups is frequently proportional to the money and power of each group's members.

Controversy among differing viewpoints makes it difficult for officials to determine forest policy. Forest economics and the appropriate use of timber can be rationally debated. However, a discussion of what people should do about natural resources often becomes rooted in personal views and emotions.

The varied demands people place on natural resources such as timber require that a policy be developed to guide present and future decisions. In this module you will be asked to recommend policies on the use of timber produced in the Northwest temperate rainforest.

[ Situation ] [ Recommending Policies ]
[ Glossary ] [ Related Links ] [ References ] [ PBL Model ]

[ Home ] [ Teacher Pages ] [ Modules & Activities ]

Button that takes you back to the Temperate Rainforest main page.


HTML code by Chris Kreger
Maintained by ETE Team
Last updated November 10, 2004

Some images © 2004 www.clipart.com

Privacy Statement and Copyright © 1997-2004 by Wheeling Jesuit University/NASA-supported Classroom of the Future. All rights reserved.

Center for Educational Technologies, Circuit Board/Apple graphic logo, and COTF Classroom of the Future logo are registered trademarks of Wheeling Jesuit University.