LBriones
Interest Group Internet Scavenger Hunt
Directions: For much of this activity, we will be utilizing the resources of www.opensecrets.org.
I. Which Industry Supports Which Political Party?
1. Based on the data in this chart, make a list of comparing the top 5 industries that gave the most to each of the following political
parties in the 2012 election cycle. List the amount they donated to that party. Your are encouraged to click on the different
industries and read about their background; check out the 2008 cycle to see the money totals.
Industries that Supported the Democrats
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Industries that Supported the Republicans
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2. Research the Health Services/HMO (insurance) industry. Read the background information about the industry.
A. Who are the top four members of Congress that received contributions from this industry?
B. Who are the top three contributors to federal candidates and parties (2012)?
C. What trends do you observe about this industry’s spending on lobbyists?
III. The Revolving Door:
8. Explain the meaning of the phrase “revolving door”.
9. Look at the employment history of Tom Daschle. How does he fit the profile of someone who has been utilized the ‘revolving
door’?
IV. PACs:
Make a list of the top three PACS in 2012 —include the amount of money the PAC spent.
Top 3 PACS
Amount of Money Spent (2012)
1.
2.
3.
LBriones
Interest Group Internet Scavenger Hunt
10. What are Super PACs?
11. Make a list of the top three Super PACS in 2012 —include the amount of money the PAC spent.
Top 3 Super PACS
Politician / Ideology
$ of Independent Expenditures
1.
2.
3.
V. 527 Groups:
12. Watch this political advertisement. How can you tell this ad was created and paid for by a 527 organization?
VI. The Top 11 Things Every Voter Should Know About Money-In-Politics:
Directions: Read through each of the 11 Things and answer the question that corresponds with each “Thing”.
Write down the “Thing”
Answer the Questions Below
1.
How do Congressional committee assignments strategically affect how interest groups
donate money to members of Congress?
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Why do major donors tend to donate more to incumbent Congressional candidates?
Describe the trend in the cost of beating a House incumbent candidate.
Why do politicians care more about big donors compared to small donors?
List some of the campaign donation trends listed:
Why does an interest group care about developing a long-term relationship with a member
of Congress?
Why is there so much pressure for members of Congress to constantly be fundraising?
What is one reason why the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) is considered relatively
weak?
How do interest group ratings affect members of Congress?
Besides money, what are some other factors that help politicians get elected?