1. Interest Groups in Action Chapter 11, Theme C

2. Interest Groups in Action 1. Providing Information Why is supplying credible info seen as the most important tactic by interest groups? Why must the info provided be credible? Discuss client politics. (CAB, FCC, FEA) How do “political cues” affect legislators’ decisions? (Lib. listens to lib. Groups, etc.) What is the purpose of ratings?

3. Interest Groups in Action 2. Generating Public Support Explain difference between insider & outsider strategy? What has led to grassroots lobbying or mass mobilization? (TV, toll-free #s, Internet, etc) How do politicians avoid controversy & pressure by interest groups and lobbyists? (listen to groups with whom they agree) Who are lobbyists’ key targets? What positive & negative tactics do they employ? (Fence-sitters) How can grassroots support pressure lawmakers?

4. Interest Groups in Action 3. Contributing to Campaigns How did the FECA affect campaign donations? Why is T. Kennedy wrong by saying, “The finest Congress money can buy?” Which type of PACs is the fastest growing? (id) Why do they contribute so little compared to other type of PACs? (direct mail) Who gets PAC money? Who gives it? (283-84) What does PAC money really buy? (Access) Do “What would you do?” on p.288.

5. Interest Groups in Action 4. Accessing the “Revolving Door” What is the fear of the revolving door? How has the Ethics in Gov’t Act reduced the conflicts of interest created by the revolving door? 5. Creating Trouble What do you feel is the most effective form of making trouble? Least effective? Exs.

6. Interest Groups in Action 6. Litigation Why do groups file lawsuits? –Popular support not on side –Gain injunction –Bring attention Examples?

7. Regulating Interest Groups In groups, explain how each of the following impacted special interest groups & lobbying with a graphic organizer: –The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946) –The Federal Elections & Campaign Act (1974) –The Lobbyist Disclosure Act (1995) –The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)