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Organizing and Interest Groups in the Electoral Process

Explore the effectiveness of working individually or in groups in influencing policy decisions, identify potential supporters and opponents, and discuss strategies to persuade Governor Branstad. Research and analyze various interest groups in Iowa and their positions on relevant issues.

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Organizing and Interest Groups in the Electoral Process

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  1. Organizing and Interest Groups in the Electoral Process

  2. Opening Scenario The state legislature has just passed a law changing the minimum age requirement to get a driver’s license in the state of Iowa to the age of 21 years old. Governor Branstad is debating whether to sign the bill into law, but has first agreed to hear input from Iowans before making his decision. Discuss the following: Which is more effective in this scenario: Working individually, or in groups? Who can you get to join your cause? Who might support this law? Why? Who might oppose this law? Why? What things can your group do to convince the Governor to agree with you? Who does this decision affect? In what ways does it affect them? Do you support or oppose this law? What can you personally do to convince Governor Branstad to agree with you?

  3. Interest Groups • Promote specific issues/interests to public and policymakers to support their agenda • Examples: • NRA: 2nd Amendment Rights • https://youtu.be/hJo2xlmT29I • ACLU: Protection of Civil Liberties • https://youtu.be/mIZS140sDxY • National Organization for Marriage • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGi2r-M_gQ8

  4. Effectiveness • Factors that determine effectiveness: Size: National, State, Local AFL-CIO v. Local Plumbers Membership: Strength in numbers How committed to the cause? Organization: Leadership Occupy Wall Street v. Tea Party Money: Funding for staff and campaigns Advertisements Side Discussion: What is an issue/cause you care deeply about? How willing would you be to volunteer for that cause? How willing would you be to donate money to that cause?

  5. Tasks • Lobbying: Meeting with policymakers to promote interests • Earmarks – specific amendments or funding of bills for special projects • Electioneering: Supporting candidates, working in elections (**Political Action Committee, or PAC) • Litigating: Taking issues to court Ex: ACLU representing plaintiffs in civil liberties cases Public Awareness: inform public about issues Ex: Yulin Festival, NSA, Climate Change

  6. Interest Groups in Elections (PACs) • Political Action Committees (PAC): the electioneering arm of interest groups • Interest groups survey candidates • Questionnaires, Interviews, Voting Record • Endorsement: Official public statement of support • Press Conference, Email to supporters • Encourages membership to support candidate • Voter Contact • Donations to campaign • Political Advertisements

  7. Interest Groups in Elections (PACs) • The “issue” endorsement: • Promote an issue INSTEAD of a candidate • OR • Attack a candidate who does not support interests Paid for by NEXTGEN Climate Action Committee

  8. Checkpoint What kind of special interests do you think are represented in Iowa? What must a candidate do to gain support from an interest group? How do interest groups influence the outcomes of the Iowa Caucus?

  9. Research Interest Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Americans For Prosperity AFL-CIO AARP Chamber of Commerce The Family Leader Farm Bureau Generation Progress Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement National Rifle Association (NRA) NARAL NextGen Climate • In your groups, you will be assigned an interest group to research. • Answer the following for your assigned group: • When were they founded, and by who? • What issue(s) are they involved in? • What is their position on this issue(s)? • What kind of people do you think this group appeals to? • How effective are they? • Remember the factors of an effective interest group

  10. Who will your group endorse for the Iowa caucus?

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