PART 1: Prompt Discussion
How representative is Congress? Most legislators are white, upper-middle-class males, although this group is a very small part of our entire population. What impact does this skewed representation have in terms of liberty, equality, and democracy? Can these people really represent women, minorities, and poor citizens? (100-150 words)
PART 2: Questions
Chapter 9
Many political observers have identified a strong “incumbency advantage� in congressional elections. Describe what this term means and explain the reasons behind it. In particular, discuss some of the ways members of Congress can provide patronage to their districts and the role that redistricting plays in congressional elections. There are three components to this question.
Chapter 10:
1. The federal government has made many attempts to regulate lobbying over the course of American history. Discuss the federal government’s rules regarding lobbying and what impact they have on the strategies employed by lobbyists. In your answer, be sure to discuss specific laws passed by Congress as well as recent Supreme Court decisions on campaign finance. Be sure to also include in your answer the findings in the video that was posted in this week’s module content page titled “Controversy of Lobbyist in the US� specially give one example of a controversy between one member of congress and lobbyist.
2. (This question is extra credit- You can complete it for 5 extra credit points) For this question you will have to do some research on a currently active interest group.
What is the name of the interest group?
What do they lobby for?
How much was spent on lobbying by that interest group in the last few years?
Who were the main beneficiaries of the money spent by the interest group?