Lobbyists and interest groups in Texas , writing homework help
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SLO #2: Lobbyists and interest groups in Texas. 70% of students will
successfully research and analyze the influence of interest groups on
lawmaking, using current news articles/political action committee
websites.
Activity for assessment:
Review the following websites. The first is a link to an article
regarding how lobbyists may influence Texas lawmakers. The second is a
link to the Texas State Rifle Association Political Action Committee
website. Be sure to check out the “About Us†and “Legislationâ€
links at the TSRPAC website.
http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/16/analysis-wh…
Once you’ve fully completed reading and reviewing the above-mentioned
web links, consider the impact Interest groups and lobbyists have on
lawmaking. Then, discuss the pros and cons of this collective influence
by answering the following:
Based on what you’ve read, should there be tougher restrictions and more
strict oversight on interest groups? Or, since they represent such a
large group in society who may not have an influential voice otherwise,
is this in the best interest of democracy?
Specifically, consider that there are very rigid limitations on how much
money that “we the people” can contribute to campaigns and, based on
this, have very little individual ability to influence decision-making
in this way.
Should the government place more rigid limitations and more oversight on
the interest groups, who have access to greater funds, in an ability to
allow all of our voices to count equally? How and why?
Overall, do you believe the collective influence of interest groups
override individual citizen’s ability to influence politics?
Lastly, give some examples of 21st century interest groups and how they have influenced lawmaking. Be specific.
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Program-Level Outcome 1: Communication Skills – to include effective
development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written,
oral and visual communication
1. Written: Process and produce effective written communication adapted to audience, purpose, and time constraints.
3. Visual: Effectively interpret visual images or produce effective visual images.
Program-Level Outcome 2: Critical Thinking Skills – to include creative
thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of
information
Program-Level Outcome 5: Personal Responsibility – to include the
ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical
decision-making
Program-Level Outcome 6: Social Responsibility – to include
intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the
ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global
communities
Course-Level Objectives met with this assignment:
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
6. Analyze the state and local election process.
7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas.
SLO2 fulfills Program Level Outcomes 1.1, 1.3, 2, 5, 6; Course Level Outcomes 5, 6, 7, 8]
This assignment must follow MLA guidelines, be typed in Times New Roman,
12 pt. font, and be a minimum of 2 pages(600words) with a works cited page.
The works cited are not included in the minimum page count.
Remember the MLA must be double-spaced and include the proper header and
paper title as well as in-text citations. If you are unfamiliar with
how to do this, please visit the Student Resources tab in our class and
view the Writing Information folder OR see the Academic Skills center on
the Central Campus at NLC. If you need a reminder about assignment
guidelines, please review them under the Start Here tab.
