1. SOL 5d Cost of running a campaign

2. Running for political office is expensive.

3. Rising campaign costs  Require candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activities

4. Rising campaign costs  Limit opportunities to run for public office

5. Rising campaign costs  Give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for office

6. Rising campaign costs  Give issue- oriented special interest groups increased influence

7. Interest Groups Interest Groups People with a similar point of view who work together to promote that point of view

11. Interest Groups

12. An interest group is a structured organization of people with shared attitudes who attempt to influence public policy. Interest groups: -Vary in size, goals and budget -Attempt to influence both the government and public opinion -Hire lobbyists to represent their interests Interest Groups

13. Rising campaign costs  Encourage the development of political action committees (PACs)

14. Political Action Committee Political fund-raising organization established by a special interest group

15. Political Action Committee (PAC)  A PAC is group that supports a candidate or issues by raising money, campaigning, and polling

17. Political Action Committee

18. Campaign finance reform  Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws.

19. Campaign finance reform  Limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to political candidates and campaigns.