The Role of Special Interest Groups

How are elections really run and won? Learn about special interest groups, super PACs, and lobbyists with an engaging lesson about the caucus process. Young voters research specific interest groups and analyze their part in previous and...

After considering the role that gasoline plays in our lives and our dependence on it as a society, learners participate in a reading activity discussing why the price of oil is increasing. They will then simulate being members of a...

Does the influence of interest groups harm a political system? Your class members will analyze the role of interest groups in American politics, as well as consider the effect of perspective, bias, loyalty, and the First Amendment.

Unauthorized immigration is a complex and hotly debated topic. Class members read an article that examines the issues that motivate unauthorized immigration. Teams then assume the role of special interest groups and present their stand...

Teachers around the nation are a part of a special interest group, through the NEA union, that fights in Washington DC for better education. Scholars investigate reasons interest groups, like the NEA, form. A short video, the 43rd of a...

Have you ever wondered if those in power actually consider the interests of their constituents? The 42nd video clip in a 50-part series on the United States government and politics introduces the concept of special interest groups....

Learners study special interest groups and define terms like faction, interest group, association, lobbyist, and political action group.

Students act as elected officials who must make decisions that will make someone unhappy. They consider five bills that are up for vote in light of the contributions that many special-interest groups made to their campaigns. Students...

Research water use in California, environmental protection laws, and the proposition to raise Shasta Dam by 200 feet. Researchers use their findings to build an argument which will be presented at a mock decision panel. Groups then...

Twelfth graders discover how special interest groups sway voters. For this American Politics lesson, 12th graders research selected special interest groups and complete the 3 provided handouts that accompany the lesson.