Please respond to the following released AP Exam prompt. Your responses should be written in the comment section of the blog. You may use your textbook.
"Interest groups seek to influence political processes in ways that benefit their members. In doing so, however, they may not act in the overall public interest."
(a) "Describe two techniques interest groups use to influence elections."
(b) "Explain how interest groups use each of the following to influence government decision making."
- "Issue networks (also known as iron triangles)"
- "Amicus curiae briefs"
(c) "Explain how each of the following serves to limit interest group influence."
- "The media"
- "Pluarlism"
Interest groups seek to influence elections by spending money on elections. They give money to candidates and political parties through their political action committee (PAC). They give money to politicians in order to influence how they act or vote on issues. Great amounts of money are needed to win an election, and PACs can provide it. So, PACs influence who's elected and what they do once they are elected. Interest groups can also give substantial amounts of money through independent expenditures, which are unlimited.
ReplyDeleteAnother way interest groups influence elections is by persuading its members to vote in accordance with the views of the interest group, also called mobilizing employees and members. Interest groups can do this through many different means, for example, mail, telephone, Internet, and workplace communications.
Issue networks and iron triangles are composed of a congressional committee, interest groups, and a federal department or agency. The members of Congress pass laws that support the interest groups. The federal department or agency give services to the interest groups, and in return, interest groups give money to the members of Congress and help them get reelected and support the agency. The interest groups give money and resources in return for support and influence in Congress.
Interest groups use amicus curiae briefs to influence the Court and it's decision in the case. They can also request that the Supreme Court review a certain case. They use amicus curiae briefs to influence the Court to rule in favor of their interests.
The media tries to limit interest group's influence by watching and reporting their behavior. The media tries to let the public know how interest groups are acting to limit their influence.
Interest group pluralism also helps limit the influence of interest groups. Pluralism is the competition between the many and diverse interest groups. This competition keeps any one interest group from gaining all the power.
Very well done. I will post your grade later today.
ReplyDeleteInterest groups seek to influence elections by funding the political party or candidate that they favor through political action committees (PACs). Successful campaigns require a great sum of money, which PACs will provide. The more the interest groups fund through these PACs, the better chance a candidate will have at composing a successful campaign and winning the election. For example, PAC money can be put towards running commercials on the television highlighting the reasons the citizens should vote for them. Many might see their campaign commercials and vote for that candidate, which is what the interest groups are aiming for. Media plays a significant role in gaining votes, which leads to the second way interest groups influence elections: mobilization. Mobilization occurs when interest groups attempt to persuade others to vote for the candidate or political party they favor through means of the media (internet, television, radio, and newspapers), as well as through the telephone, mail, and every day communication. Basically, interest groups actively try to persuade and influence others to vote the way they want through any means of communication.
ReplyDeleteAn issue network is a relationship between a congressional committee, an interest group, and a federal department or agency that thrives off of the benefits that they all bring to the table. The interest groups fund the members of Congress in order to help them get reelected and support the federal department or agency. In return, the congressional committee passes the laws that support the interest group and the federal department caters to their needs and offers them many services. Interest groups can also influence government decision making by filing an amicus curiae brief. This can urge or discourage the Supreme Court to hear a case, as well as presenting arguments outside of the immediate parties' cases. Obviously, the interest groups are able to better exert their opinion in a matter and persuade the Supreme Court to rule in their favor.
Although media can be useful resource for interest groups to influence elections, it can also serve as a limitation to their influence. The media is known for closely examining the actions of interest groups and informing viewers, which limits their influence over voters. Pluralism is also another factor that ensures that any interest group will not obtain significant power over the others. In fact, pluralism is the theory that holds that open, multiple, and competing interest groups can check the asserted power of any one group. This makes it nearly impossible for one sole interest group to greatly influence an election.
Nicely done, Taylor.
ReplyDelete