"Bonus" HW assignment DUE Friday 5/6 @ 11:59 PM via Email

[Optional] HW Interest Group Lobbying

Due Friday 5/6 @ 11:59 PM via email

zgass@elcamino.edu [only acceptable email address]

*This is an optional homework assignment. Completing it adds more points to the HW Category pool, but does not replace any missing assignments. In other words, it can boost your average score for that category, but not in the way that Extra Credit does.*

Directions:
Read the "You Decide" feature on page 358 of the textbook and watch the "60 Minutes" segment on Jack Abramoff [link below]. Then answer the questions:

LINK: YouTube - "Jack Abramoff: The lobbyist's playbook"



Return to chapter 10 and read the "You Decide" feature on page 358, and answer the following questions:

1. To what extent do you think current congressional rules limiting the size of gifts that members of Congress can receive from lobbyists have curbed illegal behavior by interest groups?

2. Are these rules aimed at exceptional cases or average interest groups?

After watching the "60 Minutes" segment, answer the following questions:

3. When people think of interest groups, they often picture lobbyists making policy with politicians behind closed doors -- as suggested by Jack Abramoff's scandal. In light of the "60 Minutes" interview, does this depiction of lobbying seem accurate? What kinds of things did Abramoff and others do to capture politician's attention?

4. Should we do more or less to regulate the process?


Copy paste link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHiicN0Kg10