“Midterm Elections” Occur during the year when no presidential election is held. Voter turnout in off-year elections is generally lower than during presidential election years. 

Interest Groups: An organization that pressures elected officials to enact favorable legislation Way to influence the government 3 types: Public Interest Groups: work for the society (animal rights) Workers: teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses Business Groups: technology companies, oil companies) Lobbying: Try to persuade politicians Present research, make presentations, talk to the media, write laws PACS A part of the interest group Fund election campaigns for and against specific candidates

Interest Groups Advantages Disadvantages Inform the public Makes society less ignorant A way to connect to the government Can lead to bribery Wealthy have more power than ordinary citizens 2/3 of Americans don’t belong to an interest group Biased, one-sided information Many interest groups are not democratic

Political Action Committee (PACs): a committee formed by a interest group, to raise $ and make contributions to the campaign of political candidates whom they support Raise limited hard money collect money from the group's employees or members and make contributions in the name of the PAC to candidates and political parties. Individuals contributing to a PAC may also contribute directly to candidates and political parties A PAC must register with the Federal Election Commission within 10 days of its formation, providing the name and address of the PAC, its treasurer and any affiliated organizations.

527s raise unlimited “soft $” – does not specifically mention a candidate, but rather just issues, voter registration, party building Examples: Allowed: Not Allowed:

1. Explain Interest Groups (what they are, their purpose, effect on election) 2. Explain PAC’s (what they are, their purpose, effect on election)