Ch 10 - Interest Groups - Class 2

2. What are the goals and activities of interest groups in American politics?

1. Analyze: Activities of Interest Groups 
• "The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States. A religious sect may degenerate into a political faction in a part of the Confederacy; but the variety of sects dispersed over the entire face of it must secure the national councils against any danger from that source." - James Madison (Federalist #10)
• "Sunshine is said to be the best of disinfectants." - SCOTUS Justice Louis Brandeis
• In order for pluralism (Madison) to work well, citizens need a transparent (Brandeis) government so they can analyze factions.
• What were the various ways Jack Abramoff exerted influence on Congress? 
• What were the various ways Grover Norquist exerted influence on Congress?
• What do interest groups do at Congressional committee hearings?
• What are other techniques used by interest groups?
2. Analyze: The Iron Triangle 
• What is the iron triangle present in the The Battle over Crusader? 
• How did the three corners interact to make public policy in this case study?
• Who went through the revolving door?
3. Research: Revolving Door
• Can you find a lobbyist who used to work on a congressional committee that oversees your policy area?  Tweet your finding to the class hashtag.
• Can you find a lobbyist who used to work for a federal agency that oversees your policy area?  Tweet your finding to the class hashtag.