Political 4233 Interest Groups in US Politics

This research project will produce a formal research paper of from 10 to 20 pages as necessary to address the necessary material. The core of the research will also be presented in a brief oral class presentation toward the end of the semester.

Research project for Interest Groups in US Politics

Conduct an original research project which focuses on a particular interest group.

Identify a specific interest group and address the following background issues regarding that group. The following list is meant to be a guide, not a limit----explore other aspects of interest group organization or activity as necessary.

            Guiding issues to address in the research

                        Is this a local, state, national, or international group

                        What is the organizational structure of the group

                        Who is its leadership

                                    What is the leadership’s background, personal, professional, political, etc

                        What is the organization’s identified purpose

                        What is the organization’s active pursuits

                                    Are these two the same

                        Has, or how has, the group changed over time

                        In what kind of activity does the group engage

                        What policy does the group attempt to influence

                        How does the group attempt to influence policy

What levels of government does the group attempt to influence; executive, bureaucracy, Congress, judiciary, all, some.

Does the organization publish any material for distribution----if so what is it and to whom is it addressed/sent

If a national organization, does it rate the members of Congress and how is this material used