2. President – Media and President have a mutually beneficial relationship Media receives more news stories; President can communicate with the public Congress and National Courts – Receive far less attention Confirmation hearings, oversight activities, or stories from personal life is where most of the attention focuses

3. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Regulates communications by radio, television, telephone, telegraph, cable, and satellite – CAN’T censor broadcasts, BUT it can make the rules for “the public interest” – Regulations vary in response to changing technology, court rulings, and changes in politics

4. New type of global mass media— major impact on American government and politics – Can read widespread and diverse global audiences Twitter, facebook, instagram, youtube – Ability for interactive communication among many, simultaneously – Can gain HUGE support for a candidate or issue very quickly – Useful for getting information about government services – Increases citizen participation in government Increased interaction with officials, rapid spread of current information, development of websites, increased volunteer opportunities

5. The way that the media depicts candidates and political parties can help discredit or reinforce stereotypes

6. Definition: any organization of people with policy goals who work within the political process to promote specific goals THOUSANDS of interest groups work to influence government actions

7. Ways Interest Groups Influence Gov’t – Lobbyists: representatives who advocate on behalf of the interest group to all branches of gov’t. – Engaging in the Election: influence elections (monetary donations) to get people who support the cause into office – Educating the Public: disseminate information about the cause to ANYONE and EVERYONE – Educating the Gov’t: Useful, specific information on specialized topic. – Mobilizing the Public: rely on the efforts of motivated people to get the message out.

8. Criticisms of Interest Groups An interest group can have a greater influence on gov’t than their size. How many people does the interest group actually represent? Only represent the views of the most active members. Some resort to bribery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdt6Jj64TVU

9. Trade Associations – Represent various parts of the economy – Take a stand on a variety of issues Citizen Action Groups (public interest) – Concerned with broad range of interests that affect the public – Well funded Single-issue Groups – Focus on a single issue

10. Additional Types Non-membership Groups – Include corporations that have offices in DC and many state capitals – Include universities and state and local governments Ad Hoc Associations – Organization of citizens who are focused on a single issue Short Term issues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ua_rfZfRTM

11. US House of Reps.: Committees Foreign Affairs Armed Services Energy and Commerce Science, Space, and Technology Homeland Security Education and the Workforce