Special-Interest GroupsSpecial-Interest Groups

Website ProjectWebsite Project

Work in PairsWork in Pairs

1.1. Select a topic or issueSelect a topic or issue

2.2. Negotiate with partner who will Negotiate with partner who will investigate which side of the issueinvestigate which side of the issue

3.3. Create a PowerPoint detailing info for Create a PowerPoint detailing info for both opposing special-interest groupsboth opposing special-interest groups

1. Research1. ResearchFind the following for your special-interest groupFind the following for your special-interest group

Website (put link on your PPT)Website (put link on your PPT)Mission Statement (explains the goals Mission Statement (explains the goals of the group)of the group)History of the groupHistory of the group– when, why, where, whowhen, why, where, who– Relevant Supreme Court decisions that Relevant Supreme Court decisions that

affected your group’s causeaffected your group’s cause– Legislation passed (federal, State, local) Legislation passed (federal, State, local)

relevant to your grouprelevant to your group

Research (cont.)Research (cont.)Tactics used to influence public Tactics used to influence public opinion/public policy (use Unit Vocab list!!!)opinion/public policy (use Unit Vocab list!!!)– Specific examples (include evidence like Specific examples (include evidence like

photos)photos)– Do they have a PAC?Do they have a PAC?Endorsements: (candidates and/or initiatives)Endorsements: (candidates and/or initiatives)A current event for your group: two partsA current event for your group: two parts– Summarize the eventSummarize the event– Compare it to information in Chapter 6 and Compare it to information in Chapter 6 and

Unit Vocab listUnit Vocab list

Research (cont.)Research (cont.)

Which theory does your special-interest Which theory does your special-interest group prove? Explaingroup prove? Explain

2. Your personal opinion of the 2. Your personal opinion of the groupgroup

create a personal opinion section that create a personal opinion section that lists pro’s and con’s of the group (this is lists pro’s and con’s of the group (this is just a list)just a list)give a detailed explanation of one give a detailed explanation of one positive and one negative (this is where positive and one negative (this is where you demonstrate thinking by explaining you demonstrate thinking by explaining one each) one each) This is an extremely important section = This is an extremely important section = “How accurate is the information/data “How accurate is the information/data the website is providing you?”the website is providing you?”

3. Critical Thinking3. Critical Thinking(answer together as a pair)(answer together as a pair)

A. Special-interest groups donate millions of A. Special-interest groups donate millions of dollars to political campaigns. Should the dollars to political campaigns. Should the donations be allowed because they are donations be allowed because they are protected by freedom of speech (expression protected by freedom of speech (expression by checkbook) or limited because it is a form by checkbook) or limited because it is a form of bribery? Explain your answer. Hint: of bribery? Explain your answer. Hint: consider the impact PACs and lobbyists have consider the impact PACs and lobbyists have on the legislative process.on the legislative process.

Critical Thinking (cont.)Critical Thinking (cont.)

B. Based on B. Based on Federalist 10Federalist 10, how would , how would James Madison view the part special-James Madison view the part special-interest groups play in our democratic interest groups play in our democratic system? You should reference system? You should reference specific quotes from specific quotes from Federalist 10.Federalist 10.

C. What special-interest group is C. What special-interest group is needed in your community? Why? needed in your community? Why? Explain your answer.Explain your answer.