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MIG #4. Do interest groups improperly influence government?. “Special Interests”. Did Obama Kill Public Financing?. HW: Read “Did Obama Kill Public Financing?” Do a Document Analysis Summary – including author’s thesis & specific arguments
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MIG #4 Do interest groups improperly influence government? “Special Interests”
Did Obama Kill Public Financing? HW: • Read “Did Obama Kill Public Financing?” • Do a Document Analysis • Summary – including author’s thesis & specific arguments • Reaction – include: (1)Predict: Do you think Obama will use public financing in 2012?Explain. AND (2)in your opinion, is public financing the best option for campaign finance reform?
Do interest groups improperly influence government? • NO! They’re essential to the process. • Link the ppl to gov & gov to the ppl • Provide info to the ppl about what gov is doing • Provide info to the gov about what ppl think • Includes opinions of both the majority and the minority
More on NO! • Generate interest in gov • Gets ppl involved in the democratic process • Take on controversial issues • Elected officials avoids controversy! • These groups confront issues like gay marriage • Part of our 1st amendment right to petition the gov.
NO! NO! NO! • Pluralism: if all groups are represented, one group will win sometimes & the other will win sometimes (it all balances out!) • Protects us from BIG gov – gives us “little” ppl a voice!
YES! They abuse the political process! • Too much power and influence! • Who is really getting heard? • Who do they really represent? • Dominated by leaders, not members • EX: teachers’ union • Are all groups really represented equally? Is there really pluralism or does one group dominate?
YES! YES! YES! • Best organized & most funded get heard • Commercials • Natl Assoc of Auto dealers
Essay:Do interest groups improperly influence government? Checklist: √ Tells the reader the specific topic of the essay √ Imposes limits on that topic √ Explains the argument of the essay √ Suggest the organization of the paper √ Does not begin with “This thesis states” or “In my opinion”
More Thesis Tips! • When you make a (subjective) judgment call, specify and justify your reasoning. • Original:Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya. • WHY? WHY? WHY? • Revised:If the government takes over industry in Kenya, the industry will become more efficient. • OH! That’s why!