Changes

'''American Government'''

'''American Government'''

The term “[[interest group]]” is defined in your glossary, p. 309.  It is an organization of [[people]] who agree on an [[issue]], and try to influence [[government]] policy on that [[issue]].  Examples are [[pro-life]] groups, pro-[[environment]] groups, pro-[[gun rights]] groups, pro-[[gun control]] groups, and so on.  How many can you name?

The term “[[interest group]]” is defined in your glossary, p. 309.  It is an organization of [[people]] who agree on an [[issue]], and try to influence [[government]] policy on that [[issue]].  Examples are [[pro-life]] groups, pro-[[environment]] groups, pro-[[gun rights]] groups, pro-[[gun control]] groups, and so on.  How many can you name?

Interest groups are very different from [[politics|political]] [[party|parties]].  Members of [[interest group]]s usually come from multiple [[party|parties]] and [[independent party|independent]]s.  [[Interest groups]] cut across [[party]] lines.  Both [[Democrat]]s and [[Republican]]s belong to [[pro-life]] groups, for example.  The same is true for virtually every other [[interest group]].

Interest groups are very different from [[politics|political]] [[party|parties]].  Members of [[interest group]]s usually come from multiple [[party|parties]] and [[independent]]s.  [[Interest groups]] cut across [[party]] lines.  Both [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] and [[Republican]]s belong to [[pro-life]] groups, for example.  The same is true for virtually every other [[interest group]].

The motivation for an [[interest group]] is to work with both [[party|parties]] towards a specific goal.  It [[focus]]es on only one [[issue]], or a small [[number]] of connected [[issue]]s, and thus [[channel]]s all its [[energy]] towards that end.  It is unconcerned with many other [[issue]]s affecting [[politics|political]] [[party|parties]].

The motivation for an [[interest group]] is to work with both [[party|parties]] towards a specific goal.  It [[focus]]es on only one [[issue]], or a small [[number]] of connected [[issue]]s, and thus [[channel]]s all its [[energy]] towards that end.  It is unconcerned with many other [[issue]]s affecting [[politics|political]] [[party|parties]].

For example, the [[National Right to Life Committee|National Right to Life]] does not take a position on [[tax]]es, [[immigration]], the [[environment]], [[Social Security]], etc.  When asked whether it supports the [[Equal Rights Amendment]] (ERA), it responded that it would if the [[Amendment]] were changed to make sure it did not authorize [[abortion]] or funding of [[abortion]].  That is its [[issue]], while others oppose [[ERA]] for many other [[issue]]s, too.

For example, the [[National Right to Life Committee|National Right to Life]] does not take a position on [[tax]]es, [[immigration]], the [[environment]], [[Social Security]], etc.  When asked whether it supports the [[Equal Rights Amendment]] (ERA), it responded that it would if the [[Amendment]] were changed to make sure it did not authorize [[abortion]] or funding of [[abortion]].  That is its [[issue]], while others oppose [[ERA]] for many other [[issue]]s, too.

Both [[Democratic]] and [[Republican]] candidates can seek the support of the [[National Rifle Association]] (NRA), which is a large and particularly [[power]]ful [[interest group]].  It sends a [[questionnaire]] to [[candidate]]s to see if they agree with [[gun rights]].  It can help [[candidate]]s become [[election|elected]] by endorsing them or raising campaign [[money]] for them.

Both [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] and [[Republican]] [[candidate]]s can seek the support of the [[National Rifle Association]] (NRA), which is a large and particularly [[power]]ful [[interest group]].  It sends a [[questionnaire]] to [[candidate]]s to see if they agree with [[gun rights]].  It can help [[candidate]]s become [[election|elected]] by endorsing them or raising campaign [[money]] for them.

The [[Sierra Group]] is a famous pro-[[environment]] [[interest group]].  There are also [[pro-abortion]] [[interest group]]s and other [[interest group]]s for just about any [[issue]] imaginable.

The [[Sierra Group]] is a famous pro-[[environment]] [[interest group]].  There are also [[pro-abortion]] [[interest group]]s and other [[interest group]]s for just about any [[issue]] imaginable.

Political parties address all the [[issue]]s.  Workers in [[political parties]] are part of the biggest [[gang]] in the [[United States]], typically either the [[Republican]] or [[Democratic Party]].  When someone in their [[party]] wins an [[election]], the worker can claim some credit and celebrate.  This is true from the most obscure political [[job]] right up the [[president|presidency]].

Political parties address all the [[issue]]s.  Workers in [[political parties]] are part of the biggest [[gang]] in the [[United States]], typically either the [[Republican]] or [[Democratic Party]].  When someone in their [[party]] wins an [[election]], the worker can claim some credit and celebrate.  This is true from the most obscure political [[job]] right up the [[president|presidency]].

People donate their [[time]] to [[political parties]] because they care about more than one [[issue]].  They feel it is important to address many [[issue]]s, and [[election|elect]] [[official]]s to address [[future]] [[issue]]s that have not yet arisen.

People donate their [[time]] to [[political parties]] because they care about more than one [[issue]].  They feel it is important to address many [[issue]]s, and [[election|elect]] officials to address [[future]] [[issue]]s that have not yet arisen.

For example, a year ago the public was not paying attention to [[Terri Schiavo|Terri Schiavo-Schindler]].  Yet people worked very hard to [[election|elect]] [[Republican]] [[Jeb Bush]] [[governor]] of [[Florida]], and also to [[election|elect]] a [[Republican]] [[legislature]].  Those who voted for [[Jeb Bush|Bush]] expected him to do the right thing on existing [[issue]]s, and unforeseeable [[issue]]s.  And he did: he recently signed a new [[law]] that saved [[Terri Schiavo|Terri's]] [[life]].   

For example, a year ago the public was not paying attention to [[Terri Schiavo|Terri Schiavo-Schindler]].  Yet people worked very hard to [[election|elect]] [[Republican]] [[Jeb Bush]] [[governor]] of [[Florida]], and also to [[election|elect]] a [[Republican]] [[legislature]].  Those who voted for [[Jeb Bush|Bush]] expected him to do the right thing on existing [[issue]]s, and unforeseeable [[issue]]s.  And he did: he recently signed a new [[law]] that saved [[Terri Schiavo|Terri's]] [[life]].   

[[Party]] [[loyalist]]s try to put [[people]] who think like them into office and then let them make the [[decision]]s.  Let the [[expert]]s – the right [[expert]]s – handle the [[issue]]s as they develop.  Work on placing the right people on the field, as in [[sport]]s, and then let them play the [[game]] as best they can.

[[Party]] [[loyalist]]s try to put [[people]] who think like them into office and then let them make the [[decision]]s.  Let the [[expert]]s – the right [[expert]]s – handle the [[issue]]s as they develop.  Work on placing the right people on the field, as in [[sport]]s, and then let them play the [[game]] as best they can.

This approach takes a dim view of spending [[time]] trying to persuade someone in an opposing [[political parties|political party]].  It is often a waste of [[time]].  You can spend [[hour]]s, [[day]]s or even [[week]]s trying to persuade a member of a [[political party]] to do something, only to find him [[vote|voting]] as his leadership told him to.  It is unrealistic to think you can persuade a [[Democrat]] to support the [[Republican]] [[George W. Bush|President Bush]] in a public way.  Spend your limited [[time]] building your favorite [[party]] rather than trying to persuade likely opponents.

This approach takes a dim view of spending [[time]] trying to persuade someone in an opposing [[political parties|political party]].  It is often a waste of [[time]].  You can spend [[hour]]s, [[day]]s or even [[week]]s trying to persuade a member of a [[political party]] to do something, only to find him [[vote|voting]] as his leadership told him to.  It is unrealistic to think you can persuade a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] to support the [[Republican]] [[George W. Bush|President Bush]] in a public way.  Spend your limited [[time]] building your favorite [[party]] rather than trying to persuade likely opponents.

[[Interest group]]s take a different approach.  They say that [[Republican]]s will be [[Republican]]s, and [[Democrat]]s will be [[Democrat]]s.  It’s been true for 140 [[year]]s, and could be true for another 140 [[year]]s.  They do not see one [[party]] winning over the other.  Instead, try to work with both [[political parties|parties]] on a particular [[issue]].

[[Interest group]]s take a different approach.  They say that [[Republican]]s will be [[Republican]]s, and [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] will be [[Democratic Party|Democrats]].  It’s been true for 140 [[year]]s, and could be true for another 140 [[year]]s.  They do not see one [[party]] winning over the other.  Instead, try to work with both [[political parties|parties]] on a particular [[issue]].

Also, [[interest group]]s [[focus]] on one or a few [[issue]]s to maximize their impact.  Many [[pro-life]]rs feel that [[abortion]] is by far the most important [[issue]] in [[United States of America|America]].  No other [[politics|political issue]] is even close.  They do not care if someone is [[Democrat]]ic or [[Republican]], [[Libertarian]] or [[Green]] (pro-[[environment]]).  What is his or her position on [[abortion]]?  That is the only [[question]] needed to be asked, some feel.

Also, [[interest group]]s [[focus]] on one or a few [[issue]]s to maximize their impact.  Many [[pro-life]]rs feel that [[abortion]] is by far the most important [[issue]] in [[United States of America|America]].  No other [[politics|political issue]] is even close.  They do not care if someone is [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] or [[Republican]], [[Libertarian]] or [[Green]] (pro-[[environment]]).  What is his or her position on [[abortion]]?  That is the only [[question]] needed to be asked, some feel.

A [[political|parties|party]] worker, even a [[pro-life]] one, will tell you that all [[issue]]s are connected and often it is difficult to win on one [[issue]] without winning others.  For example, winning on the [[pro-life]] [[issue]] requires reestablishing respect for [[human being|human]] [[life]].  It may take changing what is taught in [[public schools]], where over 90% of [[United States of America|America]]ns form their [[belief]]s.  If [[people]] think [[human being|human]]s are just [[animal]] [[tissue]] because they were taught that in [[public schools|school]], then they may not become [[pro-life]].

A [[political|parties|party]] worker, even a [[pro-life]] one, will tell you that all [[issue]]s are connected and often it is difficult to win on one [[issue]] without winning others.  For example, winning on the [[pro-life]] [[issue]] requires reestablishing respect for [[human being|human]] [[life]].  It may take changing what is taught in [[public schools]], where over 90% of [[United States of America|America]]ns form their [[belief]]s.  If [[people]] think [[human being|human]]s are just [[animal]] [[tissue]] because they were taught that in [[public schools|school]], then they may not become [[pro-life]].

The [[interest group]]s will respond by saying that if a [[candidate]] is wrong on the [[pro-life]] [[issue]], then that [[politician]] is usually wrong on everything else too.  [[Vote]]rs don’t have the [[time]] or interest to find out where [[candidate]]s stand on numerous [[issue]]s.  Besides, [[candidates]] often [[deceit|lie]].  Find out where a [[candidate]] stands on the [[pro-life|life issue]], and the rest is obvious.

The [[interest group]]s will respond by saying that if a [[candidate]] is wrong on the [[pro-life]] [[issue]], then that [[politician]] is usually wrong on everything else too.  [[Vote]]rs don’t have the [[time]] or interest to find out where [[candidate]]s stand on numerous [[issue]]s.  Besides, [[candidate]]s often [[deceit|lie]].  Find out where a [[candidate]] stands on the [[pro-life|life issue]], and the rest is obvious.

Yes, [[Political parties|party]] officials say, but at the end of the day [[candidate]]s are [[election|elect]]ed as a [[Republican]]s or [[Democrat]]s, and those persons make the [[decision]].  [[George W. Bush|President Bush]] signed the ban on [[partial birth abortion]] because the [[Republican Party]] has a [[pro-life]] [[platform]].  It took hard work to keep that [[platform]][[pro-life]], too.  The [[Republican]] [[National Right to Life Committee|National Coalition for Life]] puts enormous [[time]] and effort into this cause.

Yes, [[Political parties|party]] officials say, but at the end of the day [[candidate]]s are [[election|elect]]ed as a [[Republican]]s or [[Democratic Party|Democrats]], and those persons make the [[decision]].  [[George W. Bush|President Bush]] signed the ban on [[partial birth abortion]] because the [[Republican Party]] has a [[pro-life]] [[platform]].  It took hard work to keep that [[platform]][[pro-life]], too.  The [[Republican]] [[National Right to Life Committee|National Coalition for Life]] puts enormous [[time]] and effort into this cause.

Where would you prefer to spend your [[time]] – working in a [[political parties|political party]] or in an [[interest group]]?

Where would you prefer to spend your [[time]] – working in a [[political parties|political party]] or in an [[interest group]]?

[[Lobbyist]]s make the [[politician]]s feel better.  Make them feel [[love]]d.  Send them [[candy|candies]] and tell them how great they are.  Then, at the right time, the [[lobbyist]]s just ask for a small favor: insert a few lines into a piece of [[legislation]] for them.  The [[politician]] doesn’t have any [[reason]] not to.  And another few [[powers_of_ten|million]] [[dollar]]s goes out the door of the [[federal government]] as a grant or [[tax]] break for a special [[interest group]].

[[Lobbyist]]s make the [[politician]]s feel better.  Make them feel [[love]]d.  Send them [[candy|candies]] and tell them how great they are.  Then, at the right time, the [[lobbyist]]s just ask for a small favor: insert a few lines into a piece of [[legislation]] for them.  The [[politician]] doesn’t have any [[reason]] not to.  And another few [[powers_of_ten|million]] [[dollar]]s goes out the door of the [[federal government]] as a grant or [[tax]] break for a special [[interest group]].

The [[lobbyist]]s have their biggest impact on the staff of [[congressman|congressmen]], who are the ones doing most of the work.  Imagine yourself as a staff worker for a [[Republican]] in the North, or a [[Democrat]] in the South.  You see which way the [[wind]] is blowing: [[Republican]]s are losing in the North and [[Democrat]]s are losing in the South.  When your boss, the [[congressman]] or [[senator]], loses re[[election]] or retires, you are out of your job.  And even if he wins, you are not making much and you are working very long [[hour]]s.

The [[lobbyist]]s have their biggest impact on the staff of [[congressman|congressmen]], who are the ones doing most of the work.  Imagine yourself as a staff worker for a [[Republican]] in the North, or a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] in the South.  You see which way the [[wind]] is blowing: [[Republican]]s are losing in the North and [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] are losing in the South.  When your boss, the [[congressman]] or [[senator]], loses re[[election]] or retires, you are out of your job.  And even if he wins, you are not making much and you are working very long [[hour]]s.

The [[lobbyist]] tells you how much better is to [[work]] on “K” street as a [[lobbyist]] rather than on [[Capitol Hill]] for the [[U.S. Government]].  The [[lobbyist]]s make more [[money]] and have more fun, you are told.  If you impress the [[lobbyist]], then he’ll put in a good word for you and try to get you a nice job.  Next thing you know, all the staffers are trying harder to please the [[lobbyist]]s than to serve the public.

The [[lobbyist]] tells you how much better is to [[work]] on “K” street as a [[lobbyist]] rather than on [[Capitol Hill]] for the [[U.S. Government]].  The [[lobbyist]]s make more [[money]] and have more fun, you are told.  If you impress the [[lobbyist]], then he’ll put in a good word for you and try to get you a nice job.  Next thing you know, all the staffers are trying harder to please the [[lobbyist]]s than to serve the public.

Every [[November]], [[U.S.A.|America]] changes a bit because there are [[election]]s.  It is always worth pausing to observe what happened.

Every [[November]], [[U.S.A.|America]] changes a bit because there are [[election]]s.  It is always worth pausing to observe what happened.

The South has become more [[Republican]] and the North has become more [[Democratic]].  [[Republican]]s won [[governor]]ships in [[Kentucky]] and [[Mississippi]]; [[Democrat]]s took control of the [[New Jersey]] [[Senate]].

The South has become more [[Republican]] and the North has become more [[Democratic Party|Democratic]].  [[Republican]]s won [[governor]]ships in [[Kentucky]] and [[Mississippi]]; [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] took control of the [[New Jersey]] [[Senate]].

This is part of a 30-[[year]] trend for [[politics|political]] realignment in this [[country]].  [[People]] tend to [[vote]] regionally.  At the time of the [[Civil War]], the North was solidly [[Republican]] and the South was solidly [[Democratic]].  Now it has shifted to become the opposite.

This is part of a 30-[[year]] trend for [[politics|political]] realignment in this [[country]].  [[People]] tend to [[vote]] regionally.  At the time of the [[Civil War]], the North was solidly [[Republican]] and the South was solidly [[Democratic Party|Democratic]].  Now it has shifted to become the opposite.

In 2004, the [[Democrat]]s did not win a single southern [[state]], and [[George W. Bush|Bush]] did not win a single [[state]] in the northeast.  But [[George W. Bush|Bush]] did win [[West Virginia]] and [[Ohio]], which were enough to give him the overall [[election]].

In 2004, the [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] did not win a single southern [[state]], and [[George W. Bush|Bush]] did not win a single [[state]] in the northeast.  But [[George W. Bush|Bush]] did win [[West Virginia]] and [[Ohio]], which were enough to give him the overall [[election]].

In becoming [[mayor]] of [[New York]], [[Mayor]] [[Michael Bloomberg|Bloomberg]] (a [[moderate]]) failed in his attempt to change [[New York]] primaries from “closed” to “open”.  The [[political parties|parties]] opposed his [[referendum]] to allow [[independent]]s to vote in [[political parties|party]] primaries, and the [[political parties|parties]] beat the [[mayor]].  Never underestimate the power of [[political parties]].  But [[Michael Bloomberg|Bloomberg]] was able to overcome the [[power]] with his enormous personal [[wealth]] and obtaining the [[Republican]] nomination rather than the [[Democratic]] one, and won that way.

In becoming [[mayor]] of [[New York]], [[Mayor]] [[Michael Bloomberg|Bloomberg]] (a [[moderate]]) failed in his attempt to change [[New York]] primaries from “closed” to “open”.  The [[political parties|parties]] opposed his [[referendum]] to allow [[independent]]s to vote in [[political parties|party]] primaries, and the [[political parties|parties]] beat the [[mayor]].  Never underestimate the power of [[political parties]].  But [[Michael Bloomberg|Bloomberg]] was able to overcome the [[power]] with his enormous personal [[wealth]] and obtaining the [[Republican]] nomination rather than the [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] one, and won that way.

In [[Mississippi]], famous [[Republican]] [[lobbyist]] [[Haley Barbour]] won the [[governor]]ship and was just re[[election|elected]].  So sometimes [[lobbyist]]s become top [[government]] officials themselves.  The door between [[government]] and [[lobbyist]]s revolves round-and-round.

In [[Mississippi]], famous [[Republican]] [[lobbyist]] [[Haley Barbour]] won the [[governor]]ship and was just re[[election|elected]].  So sometimes [[lobbyist]]s become top [[government]] officials themselves.  The door between [[government]] and [[lobbyist]]s revolves round-and-round.