UNIT 3 EXAM 2

In class we reviewed topics covered on tomorrow's exam for chapters 8 and 9. Below are topics covered on tomorrow's exam for chapter 10:

A. the primary goal of interest groups
B. James Madison's view of factions, interest groups, as discussed in his essay, Federalist No. 10
C. Role of interest groups in educating policymakers about political issues
D. Cesar Chavez's role in organizing California workers into the United Farm Workers. What is Chavez an example of?
E. What is a free-rider?
F. role of lobbyist
G. amount that a PAC you belong to can donate to its favorite candidate running for Congress
H. definitions of:  direct lobbying, grassroots lobbying, information campaign, and citizen group.

GOOD LUCK!

Lesson on Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Aim: What advantages does business possess in the lobbying world?

Bell Ringer: Complete PAC Assignment / presentations (10 min)

Objectives:

10.5 Evaluate whether the interest group system biases the public policy-making process. 


Agenda:

1. "If a significant number of people with similar views have a stake in the outcome of policy decisions in a particular area, they should have a lobby to speak for them." (in a Pluralistic political system)

"...in terms of a membership in interest groups, there is a profound bias in favor of those who are well of financially."

2. Citizen group: Let's look some up!

3. Business related groups (corporation and trade associations) made up the largest segment of all lobbies, and citizen groups constituted roughly a quarter of all organizations. - FIGURE 10.4

Business lobbyist: more likely to participate in lobbying administrative agencies on proposed regulations or can mobilize corporations that are members of the interest group.

Citizen groups: try to mobilize their individual members.

4. Why is it difficult to limit the power of interest groups? (lobbying)

Terms to know: interest group/lobby, lobbyist, agenda building, program monitoring, interest group entrepreneur, free-rider problem, trade associations, direct lobbying, grassroots lobbying, information campaign, coalition building, citizen group. 

5. Chapter 10 Vocabulary Quiz (rest of class)

6. Unit 3 Exam 2 Review



Home Learning:

1. Review Chapters 8-10 IDs

2. Unit 3 Exam 2: tomorrow

Lesson on Monday, February 26, 2018

Aim: How does direct lobbying differ from grassroots lobbying?

Bell Ringer: Grade journals 61-70 (5/10 min)


Objectives:

10.4 Compare and contrast different types of lobbying. 


Agenda:

1. Complete PAC Assignment / presentations (15 min)

2. Discuss Journals 69-70

10.4

3. Examples of direct lobbying: personal contact with policymakers. "Lobbyist must maintain contact with congressional and agency staffers, constantly providing them with pertinent data."

4. "Policymakers are more concerned about what a lobbyist says when they know that constituents are really watching their decisions." page 285

5. "Policymaking is a long-term, incremental process, and a demonstration is short-lived. It is difficult to sustain anger and activism among group supporters - to keep large numbers of people involved in protest after protest." re: civil rights demonstrations of the 1960s

6. What is an information campaign? 

"Information campaigned may affect public opinion, which, presumably, will influence policymakers."

7. Journal 71 - Explain how the free-rider problem makes it difficult to get people to join and contribute to interest groups. (10 min)

*INTEREST GROUP ROLE PLAYING

A. Review the handout on Interest Groups Role Playing. Where are we in this assignment? 

source: https://study.com/academy/lesson/interest-groups-in-us-politics-activities-for-high-school.html


Terms to know: interest group/lobby, lobbyist, agenda building, program monitoring, interest group entrepreneur, free-rider problem, trade associations, direct lobbying, grassroots lobbying, information campaign, coalition building, 


Home Learning:

1. Read 10.5

2. Study "Terms to Know"

3. Unit 3 Exam 2  on Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Lesson on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Aim: What is the "free-rider problem"? How are members attracted to voluntarily join a group and what role do lobbyist play?

Bell Ringer: Review journals 66 and 67 (5 min)

Objectives:

10.3 Identify the various resources available to interest groups and evaluate their role in interest group performance. 

Agenda:

1.  INTEREST GROUP ROLE PLAYING - complete and submit proposal (15 min)

2. What Makes an Interest Group Successful? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL6esUCYZGI

3. Journal 68 - How do interest groups raise funds? (according to the video) (10 min)

4. RESOURCES:

A: Maintaining Membership - What are some PR tools that can be used?

B: Members - What are some things an interest group can do to boost membership? Discuss what might persuade an individual to become active in an interest group. How does the internet and social media help?

C: The Free-Rider Problem - What are some ways to overcome the free-rider dilemma? What are trade associations?

D: Lobbyists - "The clients who hire me want to know what's going down the pipe. They want to be plugged into the system." Lobbyists can be full-time employees. What makes a good lobbyist? Why are they paid so much?

E: Political Action Committees (PAC) -  What is the maximum money a PAC can contribute to a candidate for Congress? What keeps Congress eager to respond to lobbyists?


PAC ASSIGNMENT (rest of class)

Research a PAC and list how much money they have contributed to and to whom. Be ready to present your PAC information.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_action_committees

Let's review Chapter 10:

Terms to know: interest group/lobby, lobbyist, agenda building, program monitoring, interest group entrepreneur, free-rider problem, trade associations, 


Home Learning:

1. Journal 69 - Many members of Congress soon enter lucrative careers as lobbyists. Should former members of Congress be free to become lobbyists once they leave office? Why or why not?

2. Journal 70 - Is there something inherently wrong about well-financed groups trying to influence governmental policy? Why or why not?

3. Read 10.4

4. Journals 61-70 will be graded tomorrow.

Lesson on Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Aim: What is an interest group "entrepreneur" and what factors influence the success of an effort to organize a new interest group?

Bell Ringer: Review Journals 62-65 (10 min)


Objectives:

10.2 Analyze interest group success in terms of "entrepreneurial" behavior.


Agenda:

INTEREST GROUP ROLE PLAYING

1. Review the handout on Interest Groups Role Playing. By today, students should have chosen their group and interest group topic.(15 min)

(check previous lesson for source)

2. "existing groups stand in equilibrium until some type of disturbance (such as falling wages or declining farms prices) forces new groups to form." page 275

3. United Farms Workers and Cesar Chavez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wznw9TA2jXk (5 min)

4. "The question that remains, then, is not whether various opposing interests are represented but how well they are represented." page 278

5. Journal 66 - What are the functions and four benefits of an interest group? (according to the video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGo9Asfwric (9 min)

Terms to know: interest group/lobby, lobbyist, agenda building, program monitoring, interest group entrepreneur,


Home Learning:

1. Read 10.3

2. Read Politics of Global Change on pages 282 and 283

2.  Journal 67 - Describe why the Chinese government has hired lobbying firms  such as The Duberstein Group, Patton Boggs, and Hogan & Harton.

Lesson on Friday, February 16, 2018

Aim: What roles do interest groups play in American politics? Are they beneficial to the political system or are they harmful?

Bell Ringer: Current Events (10 min)

Objectives:

10.1 Identify the different roles that interest groups play in our political system. 

Agenda:

1. Review Journal 61 (10 min)

2. Intro to Interest Group https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9pDXMcu_j4 (10 min)

A. Journal 62 - What is the difference between an interest group and a political party?

B. Journal 63 - Describe the goal of an interest group.

C. Journal 64 - What is hyper pluralism?


INTEREST GROUP ROLE PLAYING

3. Review the handout on Interest Groups Role Playing. By today, students should have chosen their group and interest group topic.

source: https://study.com/academy/lesson/interest-groups-in-us-politics-activities-for-high-school.html

Terms to know: interest group/lobby, lobbyist agenda building, program monitoring



Home Learning:

1. Read 10.2

2. Journal 65 - Summarize the view of interest groups formed in David Truman's The Government Process. 

Lesson on Thursday, February 15, 2018

Aim: How well do political parties fulfill the expectations of the responsible model of party government set forth at the end of the preceding chapter on political parties?

Bell Ringer: Present "Amending the Electoral College" Classwork Assignment (15 min)

Objectives:

9.6 Explain the significance of candidate-centered as opposed to party-centered election campaigns for both majoritarian and pluralist democracy. 


Agenda:

1. Journal 60 - Do American political parties operate more in keeping with the majoritarian or pluralist models of democracy?

2. Chapter 9 Vocabulary Quiz (rest of class)

3. Journals 51-60 will be graded now.


Home Learning:

1. Read 10.1

2. Journal 61 - Identify five ways that interest groups benefit our political system.

Lesson on Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Aim: Historically, which has the greater effect on voting for president, party identification or the candidates' issue positions? / What are "battleground states" in presidential elections and why are they important?

Bell Ringer: Journal 58 - Explain how the Court's 2010 decision in the Citizens United case has led to increased spending in federal election campaigns. (15 min)

show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J5Zx5YotBU (4 min) 

Objectives: 

9.5 Assess the effects of party identification, political issues, and candidate attributes on voter choice. 


Agenda: 

1. Many people are concerned about the amount of fundraising in U.S. presidential elections. Given the First Amendment, how might one reform the system of campaign finance in the United States while still protecting free speech?

2. Journal 59 - Do presidential candidates today rely more or less on public funding  of campaigns? Why? 

3. EXPLAINING VOTING CHOICES

A. Party Identification
B. Issues and Policies
C. Candidates' Attributes (not rational voting)
D. Evaluating the Voting Choice (citizens should vote according to the candidates' past performance and proposed policies. Voters who choose between candidates on the basis of their policies are voting on the issues.)
E. Campaign Effects (Television Campaign, candidates on entertainment television shows)
F. The Presidential Debates 

AMENDING THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE / CLASSWORK ASSIGNMENT (rest of class)

4. Divide the class into small groups. Each group should begin by discussing the following question: What standards would one use to determine whether or not a system of presidential elections is working effectively? Then, each group should develop at least three proposed reforms to the U.S. electoral system that would make it better fit those standards. The results should be reported back to the entire class and discussed.

Home Learning: 

1. Read 9.6

2. Study for Chapter 9 Vocabulary Quiz (tomorrow) (ALL OF THEM) 

Lesson on Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Aim: What are the procedures in nominating both congressional and presidential candidates?

Bell Ringer: Review journals 55-57 (10 min)


Objectives: 

9.3 Describe the function of the electoral college and formulate arguments for and against the electoral vote system. 

9.4 Analyze the American election campaign process in terms of political context, financial resources, and strategies and tactics for reaching the voters.  


Agenda:

1. Complete RNC/DNC group assignments if not completed (10/15 min)

2. Structure of the Electoral College, arguments in favor and against the Electoral College. Should we abolish it? (5 min)

3. Electoral College Politics / The Election of 2000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3os_Vw1Eoo (12 min)

4. First-Past-the-post elections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi-FqIe9vl8 (3 min)

9.4

5. Congressional Elections: Straight ticket vs. Split ticket

6. Open Elections / Regulating Campaign Financing: FEC, PAC, 527 committees, 501(c)4 social welfare organizations, Super PACs, 

7. Political Campaigns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A5QlpAyKSQ (10 min)

Exit ticket: Describe the structure of the electoral college, including the number of points each state receives and how those points are awarded to the states, the total number of points of the entire college, and to whom the additional three points were awarded to. Finally, how many points does a presidential candidate need to win the presidency. 

Home Learning: 

1. Read 9.5 

2. Citizens United vs. FEC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5kHACjrdEY

Lesson on Friday, February 9, 2018

Aim: What are the procedures in nominating both congressional and presidential candidates?

Bell Ringer: Complete RNC/DNC group assignment (10 min)


Objectives: 

9.1 Describe how election campaigns have changed over time

9.2 Explain the procedures followed in the nomination of both congressional and presidential candidates. 


Agenda:

1. Present RNC/DNC assignment (15 min)

9.1

2. POP QUIZ

3. 

· Voting in free elections to choose leaders is the main way that citizens control government.

   o Election campaign: an organized effort to persuade voters to choose one candidate over others        competing for the same office.

   o Role of political parties

   o Role of public opinion polls

9.4

4. 

· The distinguishing feature of the nomination process in American party politics is that it usually involves an election by party voters.

A. Nomination for Congress and State Offices

· Primary Election

   o A preliminary election conducted within the party to select its candidates

   o Closed versus Open Primaries

B. Nomination for President

· Each party formally chooses its presidential and vice-presidential candidates at a national convention held every four years in the summer prior to the November election.

1. Selecting Convention Delegates.

   o Changes in the Presidential Nomination Process

5. Journal 54 - what is the differences between an "open" and "closed" party primary? Which weakens political parties? (10 min)

6. Election Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48EZKXweGDo (8 min)

TERMS TO KNOW: election campaign, primary election, closed primaries, open primaries, modified closed primaries, modified open primaries, presidential primary, caucus/convention, front-loading



Home Learning:

1. Read 9.3 and 9.4

2. Journal 55 - What is the difference between the electoral college and the electoral vote system?

3. Journal 56 - Explain why a presidential election is a federal election, not a national election.

4. Journal 57 - By what reasoning has the Supreme Court struck down attempts to regulate campaign finance?

Lesson on Thursday, February 8, 2018

Aim: What are the main ideological differences between the Democratic and Republican parties?

Bell Ringer: Complete the following multiple choice questions. (5 min)

Which principle is not part of the responsible party government model?

a. The winning party should carry out its program once in office.

b. Parties should present clear and coherent programs to voters.

c. Voters should hold the governing party responsible at the next election for executing its program.

d. Legislators should be responsive to their constituencies, even if doing so means voting against their party’s program.

e. Voters should choose candidates on the basis of party programs.

The most distinguishing feature of American political parties has always been the absence of

a. a wide base of support.

b. centralized power.

c. charismatic leaders.

d. distinctive positions on issues.

e. clearly defined goals.

Objectives:

8.4 Compare and contrast the Democratic and Republican parties on the bases of ideology and organization.

Agenda:

1. Review Journal 53 (5 min)

2. Chapter 8 Vocabulary Quiz / Collect Chapter 8 IDs.

3. All students assigned the RNC are to group together.  All students assigned the DNC are to group together. Both groups are to make a poster about the major characteristics of their assigned national convention. Please include:

A. Present a clear and coherent program to voters (list of policies you plan on enacting once in office)
B. Choose candidates on the basis of party programs (list of candidates and their respective programs i.e., Mr. Oliveros - New Healthcare Programs, at least FIVE)
C. List procedures to carry out your program once in office (one per candidate)

Home Learning:

1. Read 9.1 and 9.2

2. Begin Chapter 9 IDs

Lesson on Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Aim: What are the main ideological differences between the Democratic and Republican parties?

Bell Ringer: Journal 52 - Summarize the major explanations for why the United States features a two-party system. (10 min)

Objectives:

8.4 Compare and contrast the Democratic and Republican parties on the bases of ideology and organization.

8.5 Identify the principles of responsible party government and evaluate their role in majoritarian democracy. 


Agenda:

1. Review HW journals 49-51 (10 min)

2. PARTY IDEOLOGY

Democrats vs. Republicans 

~illicit student responses~

3. NATIONAL PARTY ORGANIZATION (5 min)

A. National Convention

B. National Committee

C. Congressional Party Conferences

D. Congressional Campaign Committees 

https://youtu.be/lIv6guXOfUo (5 min)

How do national committees (RNC and DNC) differ in the way they raise money? 

*"Until the 2008 election, the RNC raised far more money than the DNC, from many more citizens, as part of its long-term commitment to improving its organizational services." p. 230

4. Political Machine

Party machines—centralized party organizations at the local level that dominated politics by controlling local elections—declined because

a. they could not provide needed services to the urban community.

b. many of their activities were illegal.

c. they were never effective at controlling local elections.

d. they became increasingly corrupt and unable to deliver on promises.

e. government began to provide the social services that had been the basis of popular loyalty and support for the machines.

THE MODEL OF RESPONSIBLE PARTY GOVERNMENT

A. Present programs to voters.

B. Voters choose candidates on the basis of party programs.

C. Winning party carries out its program once in office.

D. Voters hold the governing party responsible at the next election.

-----------------

CLASS ASSIGNMENT:

In pairs, compare and contrast the national committees of the Republicans and Democrats. 

Each person is assigned DNC or RNC. Research your assigned national committee, and provide half a page describing your research. At the bottom of the page provide a half a page comparing and contrasting both national committees. Due tomorrow. 

Home Learning: 

1. 

2. Complete the following multiple choice questions.

Which principle is not part of the responsible party government model?

a. The winning party should carry out its program once in office.

b. Parties should present clear and coherent programs to voters.

c. Voters should hold the governing party responsible at the next election for executing its program.

d. Legislators should be responsive to their constituencies, even if doing so means voting against their party’s program.

e. Voters should choose candidates on the basis of party programs.

The most distinguishing feature of American political parties has always been the absence of

a. a wide base of support.

b. centralized power.

c. charismatic leaders.

d. distinctive positions on issues.

e. clearly defined goals.

3. Journal 53 - Explain what a party machine is and how such machines generally lost power over time.

4. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz. Terms to know: ALL! 

Lesson on Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Aim: Why have only two parties dominated the history of American politics?

Bell Ringer: 8.2 Concept Map presentations

Objectives:

8.3 Explain why two parties dominate the history of American politics. 

Agenda:

Review Journal 48 (5 min)

1. Types of Minor Parties
A: Bolter Party
B: Farmer-Labor Parties
C: Parties of Ideological Protests
D: Single Issue Parties

2. Reasons for a two-party system:
A: Electoral System - 
Majority representation vs. proportional representation 

B: Political Socialization - Laws that make it hard for minor parties to get on the ballot. 

Party Identification

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdgkK-01wms&t=6s (11 min)

3. Journal 49 - Explain what political scientists mean when they use the term critical election. Give an example.

Home Learning: 

1. Journal 50 - Identify and describe the minor parties in American politics known as Bolter Parties, Farmer-Labor Parties, Parties of Ideological Protest, and Single-Issue Parties.

2. Journal 51 - Discuss two of the ways the electoral college originally undermined presidential-vice presidential party tickets, and how the Twelfth Amendment fixed this problem.

Lesson on Thursday, February 1, 2018

Aim: What is the history of political parties in the U.S.? 

Bell Ringer: Journal 46 - Given the fact that presidential elections in the U.S. are dominated by the two main political parties, is a voter "throwing away" their vote if they vote for a minor party candidate? 

Objectives:

8.2 Outline the history of the U.S. political party system. 

Agenda: 

1. Journal 47 - What are the costs and benefits of the two-party system found in the United States? 

Please create a concept map on one of the following terms: (due Monday, February 5, 2018

1. electoral college

2. caucus

3. The Federalist 

4. The Anti-Federalists

5. John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson

6. Election of 1800

7.  Rise and decline of the Democratic Republican Party

8. Election of 1824

9. Election of 1828

10. Expansion of Suffrage

11. National Conventions & Party Platforms

12.  Critical Elections, Electoral Realignments

13. Election of 1860

14. A Republican Majority: 1896-1930

15. A Democratic Majority: 1932-1964

16. A Rough Balance: 1968 to the Present

17. Election of 1932

18. Election of 2000

Terms to Know: ALL OF THEM

Class Assignment:

           Divide the class into small groups. Ask each group to discuss why political competition in the United States is primarily restricted to just two political parties, whereas many other nations have flourishing multi-party systems. Next, each group should develop a plan of three specific reforms to the American political system that would encourage a system in which three or more parties would be regularly competitive for Congress and the presidency.

Home Learning: 

1. Journal 48 - Describe the ideological differences between the Federalists led by Alexander Hamilton and the Democratic Republicans led by Thomas Jefferson. 

2. Chapter 8 IDs, due Tuesday, February 6, 2018

3. Chapter 8 Vocabulary Quiz, February 6, 2018