Essay 21

The formation of interest groups is a common way in which individuals attempt to influence policy. The Constitution contains several provisions that protect the rights of individuals in their efforts to promote their interests in a representative democracy. The Bill of Rights, in particular, contains many provisions that protect the rights of citizens. Two of these include the right to free speech, allowing citizens to say anything they want without being punished, and the right to assembly, which allows citizens to come together. Both of these are helpful to interest groups because it allows them to say what they feel about an issue without being censored, as well as come together as a group and plan/petition etc.
Interest groups use a variety of methods to influence policy. One strategy an interest group often uses is litigation, the process of resolving legal disputes through the court system. Interest groups can use it to put pressure on officials in order to achieve their goals by promoting their cause through the media and affecting public opinion. Another strategy is lobbying. Lobbyists try to influence policymakers in a number of different ways but using tactics such as endorsements, media coverage, working on campaigns, and financial contributions. They offer arguments, evidence, and research on their cause to officials who often don't have time to find the information themselves. Grassroots lobbying, in particular, is the process of influencing the public in order to influence legislation in the decision-making process. This process often involves mass mobilization, in which committed members of the group will often make phone calls, write letters, contact policymakers, and demonstrate.
Campaign contributions are also effective for interest groups. By making contributions to campaigns, interest groups can candidates to support their causes if they win the election.
Though the Constitution protects many rights of citizens that allow for the success of interest groups, the federal government can also regulate interest groups in some ways. For example, the government requires disclosure of any contributions o funding for interest group activities, and they can also require the registration of lobbyists and PACs.

1. Individuals often form groups in order to promote their interests. The Constitution contains several provisions that protect the rights of individuals who try to promote their interests in a representative democracy.
(a) Explain two provisions in the Bill of Rights that protect individuals who try to influence politics.
(b) Interest groups engage in a variety of activities to affect public policy. Explain how each of the following is used by interest groups to exert influence over policy.
• Grassroots mobilization
• Lobbying of government institutions
• Litigation
(c) Describe one specific federal governmental regulation of interest groups.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_us_govt_politics_scoring_guidelines.pdf