Gov Homework

1. In this question you will have an opportunity to consider the impact of different types of lobbying activities and sources of influence. Using the Open Secrets website ( http://www.opensecrets.org/influence/index.php ). Review the information under the Influence & Lobbying section. Select three areas of information. (For example, the Industry section or the Lobbying section or the Revolving Door section, etc...),

a. For each of your three selected sections, discuss specific information or practices that you find here that concern you (in terms of American politics). Carefully document the reasons supporting each practice that concerns you.

b. For each of your three selected sections, discuss specific information or practices that you find benign (in terms of American politics). Carefully document the reasons supporting each practice you find benign.

c. Now, look at the top (most powerful) interest groups and PACs. Explain whether (or how) you see their influence on current public policy or elected officials.

2.

a. Explain the role of demographics in party identification. Be specific.

b. Go to www.realclearpolitics.com . Read one recent COLUMN or POLITICAL COMMENTARY on a national political issue that is important to you.

· Summarize and analyze the author’s position. Compare and contrast your own opinion to that of the author’s on this political issue. Make sure you include cited facts to back up your opinion.

· Explain where your opinion falls in terms of political preferences. Discuss which influences (socialization, demographics, etc…) contribute to your political position on this issue.

c. List and explain/discuss the factors that contribute to political socialization. Of these factors, which ones do you believe are the most influential over your own political socialization? Explain why by citing specific examples.

As excellent essay will consider:

1. Identify and explain political socialization factors

a. Summarize (rather than simply list) the factors.

b. Explain the influence of the factors clearly, providing examples when necessary.

2. Relate the socialization factors to your personal political socialization and experiences.

a. Provide details and facts to support the influence of the socialization factors.

b. Provide numerous and varied relevant details and facts supporting your argument.

3. Provide a well written essay.

a. Clear organization

b. Stays on topic

c. Use of appropriate (and government related) vocabulary

d. No major errors (grammar, spelling, usage and punctuation) to distract from the content of your essay.

3.

Public opinion polls are some of the most widely available resources on Internet. Collections of public opinion surveys are everywhere, often with detailed analysis by experts. The Internet is also increasingly used as a platform for partially collecting and measuring the moods of the American public. There are many ways you can now use the Web to personally take an online survey, either to register your opinions or to learn how you compare to the public at large.

Begin your online research into public opinion by familiarizing yourself with some of the largest, most established polling operations:

The Gallup polling firm ( http://www.galluppoll.com ) has made many of its surveys available for free online.

The Pew Center for the People and Press ( http://www.people-press.org ) makes its high-quality surveys accessible to the general public.

Some other prominent polling operations include Rasmussen Reports ( http://www.rasmussenreports.com ) and Survey USA ( http://www.surveyusa.com ) and www.pollingreport.com .

Find the latest public opinion polls that relate to the political issue you selected in Question 1. (If you cannot find your issue exactly, please find a closely related issue. Usually there will be multiple polls for each issue).

b. Provide key information about the poll.

i. Who conducted the poll?

ii. Sample size

iii. Margin of error

iv. Question wording

c. Given what you read in your textbook – does this poll appear to be reliable. Explain why or why not.

d. Explain what additional information you would need to have confidence in the poll you selected.

e. Discuss what you can conclude about public opinion and the issue you selected.

f. Compare what you find in your selected poll to at least one other poll.

i. What can you learn by comparing the polls? Explain.

ii. Do different polls say the same thing about public opinion? Why do you think you find these similarities or differences? Discuss.

iii. From what you have seen in current news and the recent column you read, are the elected representatives responding to or ignoring what the public wants? In other words, is policymaking linked to public opinion? Explain.