Skills: The purpose of this assignment is to understand the influence of money and various special interest groups in US politics and the way in which increased influence may contribute to the blurring of lines between the three branches of government.
Knowledge: In the US, our Democratic Republic was set up with three distinct branches with the intent of dividing power so that each branch could check and balance the others. Recent developments seem to have blurred the lines between the branches. For example, many political scientists have argued: (1) as campaign finance rules have changed over time, the influence of money has come to play too big a part in who controls congress (legislative branch); (2) in turn, those people who control congress also get to decide who is confirmed or not confirmed when there is an opening on the US Supreme Court (judicial branch); and (3) the executive branch has attempted to expand influence over the other two branches through recent Presidential actions. As another example, some have recently worried about the Executive branch’s influence over the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
In the lesson 5 discussion, you chose a bill to explore and looked at how your Representative or Senator voted on that bill. Now, let’s follow the money. What Political Action Committee, lobbyists, or other Special Interest Group might influence your Representative or Senator’s vote on your chosen bill or other bills? For example, you might consider these questions: How much does your Representative or Senator receive in direct donations, and where does that money come from? Is there any evidence of soft money? What about evidence of the Representative or Senator adding a porkbarrel project to the bill?
The goal here is for you to assess how the money influences our Representatives (House of Representatives) or Senators (The Senate) in turn impacts the other branches of government. Be creative here and think outside the box. Remember to support your ideas with valid points or examples from the course readings or other trusted sources.
In addition to your readings, here are some resources that may help:
https://www.opensecrets.org/
https://www.followthemoney.org/
https://www.followthemoney.org/at-a-glance?y=2020&s=GA
Assignment:
The Task: Write a 5-paragraph paper. The TEMPLATE outline in the Lesson 3 Project may provide helpful guidance (link). For example:
Introduction: Define terms key to your research, present three points to discuss, and give a clearly defined thesis statement or main point of your paper. How to Write an Introduction article by Grammarly.
First through Third Body Paragraphs: In each body paragraph, discuss one point to support your thesis statement or main point of your paper.
Conclusion Paragraph: Wrap up and summarize your points, especially as they pertain to the thesis statement or main point of your paper. Link the assignment to the material covered in class.