1. Special-Interest Groups Website Project

2. Work in Pairs 1. Select a topic or issue 2. Negotiate with partner who will investigate which side of the issue 3. Create a PowerPoint detailing info for both opposing special-interest groups

3. 1. Research Find the following for your special-interest group Website (put link on your PPT) Mission Statement (explains the goals of the group) History of the group –when, why, where, who –Relevant Supreme Court decisions that affected your group’s cause –Legislation passed (federal, State, local) relevant to your group

4. Research (cont.) Tactics used to influence public opinion/public policy (use Unit Vocab list!!!) –Specific examples (include evidence like photos) –Do they have a PAC? Endorsements: (candidates and/or initiatives) A current event for your group: two parts –Summarize the event –Compare it to information in Chapter 6 and Unit Vocab list

5. Research (cont.) Which theory does your special-interest group prove? Explain

6. 2. Your personal opinion of the group create a personal opinion section that lists pro’s and con’s of the group (this is just a list) give a detailed explanation of one positive and one negative (this is where you demonstrate thinking by explaining one each) This is an extremely important section = “How accurate is the information/data the website is providing you?”

7. 3. Critical Thinking (answer together as a pair) A. Special-interest groups donate millions of dollars to political campaigns. Should the donations be allowed because they are protected by freedom of speech (expression by checkbook) or limited because it is a form of bribery? Explain your answer. Hint: consider the impact PACs and lobbyists have on the legislative process.

8. Critical Thinking (cont.) B. Based on Federalist 10, how would James Madison view the part special- interest groups play in our democratic system? You should reference specific quotes from Federalist 10. C. What special-interest group is needed in your community? Why? Explain your answer.