Warm Up • Initiatives and referendums are both potential laws and both allow the for citizens to have input, but WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? • How is the number of electoral votes for each state determined? Give me an example. 3.6 • Identify how interest groups (lobbyists) affect law making and public opinion. Interest Groups and Political Action 3.3 • Funding Campaigns – Private Funds- money from individuals, corporations, or fundraisers 1. Interest Groups – Group of citizens coming together to effect public policy – Protected by 1st Amendment 2. Political Action Committees (PACs)- interest groups that try to elect candidates – Public Funds- government helps by matching funds raised but has limits • Soft money- unlimited money used to support particular side/view point (but not specific candidate – Ex: Swift Boat Vets, MoveOn.org Types of Interest Groups 1. Economic and cause-based 1. work to serve just their constituents 1. Ex: National Rifle Association, PETA, Chamber of Commerce 2. Labor Unions- workers of the same trade who work to get better pay, conditions, benefits 3. Public Interest Groups- support causes that affect Americans in general Lobbyists • Lobbyist: a person who tries to influence a government official to think one way or the other. • What is the artist trying to convey about Lobbyists? II. Political Advocacy (support for issues) A. Lobbying- used by interest groups 1. ex: tobacco lobbyist get friendlier smoking laws B. Activism- political action to make a change C. Litigation- using courts to further cause 1. NRA stopping DC handgun law D. Protest- ex: Bus Boycott against segregation E. Recall- allow voters to remove an elected official from office Lobbyists: How it happens. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2DUM6 jVasw • Good or evil? Jack Abramoff • Take some notes Jack Abramoff: Lobbying and Greed • What types of techniques did Abramoff use to get votes from congressmen? Brainstorm • Name a character from a popular movie, book, video game, etc. who displays characteristics of both a hero and a villain. • How does this character display each? • Write an outline of this characters actions in the film, story, book, etc. Lobbyist Activity Option 1 • Create a visual representation of your character. Use images and words to represent him/her as good and evil. • These should be colorful and creative. Option 2 • Create an episode of your character’s show/movie. • Write the story of him/her as a lobbyist trying to influence a law in Washington. Warm Up What is your favorite commercial of all time? What makes this your favorite? 3.7 IDENTIFY HOW MEDIA BIAS IMPACTS PUBLIC OPINION Prezi on propaganda • http://prezi.com/jc_-30pe7wjk/402campaigns-propaganda/ Living Room Candidate • http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/