Political parties and interest groups practice FRQ

1. Political parties and interest groups practice FRQ

2. Verb definitions • Define – write a good, thorough definition • Identify – name…whatever • Describe – a little bit more than a definition; a definition + some • Explain – answer the question how or why; explanations should thoroughly explain the answer;

3. Political parties and interest groups play a very important role in the political process in the U.S. • Identify the primary difference between political parties and interest groups in the United States. • Explain two ways in which political parties are able to influence public policy in the United States. • Explain two ways in which interest groups are able to influence public policy in the United States. • Define incumbent. Explain why incumbents are the most common recipients of campaign contributions.

4. Parties run candidates in elections and interest groups don’t. • Answers must answer the question “How do political parties influence public policy?” Possible answers: • winning elections to increase #s in Congress, • Mobilize voters to vote for their candidates • keeping members of Congress voting together, • controlling leadership in Congress, • President selects federal judges and SC justices, • Pres. controls foreign policy (1 pt. for each explanation) • Answers must answer the question “How do interest groups influence public policy?” Possible answers: • lobbying, hosting rallies, litigation, amicus curiae • campaign contributions, • grassroots mobilization, • running ads for favored candidates, • Answers must explain the process. (1 pt. for each explanation) • Incumbent – member of government running for reelection. • Answer must answer the question “Why are incumbents the most common recipients of campaign contributions?” • Incumbents win reelection 90% of the time. • Because they’re likely to win, PACs and individuals are more likely to contribute $ to incumbents.