1. Methods used by Pressure Groups Lobbying Campaigning/ raising awareness Direct Action Electioneering & Endorsement

2. The support of candidates by helping to finance their campaigns. 2 significant Federal Acts that impacted funding: Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 Campaign Act of 1974 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act 2002

3. Political Action Committees (PACs) Political wing of pressure groups. Legally permitted to raise funds for candidates & parties. Seek to persuade congressmen to vote as the the group wishes. Grown significantly since 1970s due to reforms. Currently around 5,000 PACs.

4. Task: Sort out the statements into 2 piles: ‘for’ & ‘against’ PACs. Which do you think is the stronger argument? Why?

5. Task: PACs: you need to come up with questions to ask the candidates. Candidates: you need to think of your views on the issue to be raised by the PACs. PACs question the candidates and then decide who to endorse but with a condition. Candidates decide whether to accept the donation.

6. Feedback task: How democratic are PACs’ methods?

7. Homework What evidence is there that PACs influence congressmen? Use your textbooks to find the information.