What is an example of a public interest group, and how can one write a research paper detailing it?
Throughout the course of American politics, organized interest groups have played a role in not only determining who runs for public office, but also who ultimately wins. As we have discussed in class, organized interest groups seek to provide representation for groups that complement the geographic representation provided by elected officials. These groups may help bring attention to issues and educate citizens about what their government is doing and how it impacts their lives. Organized interest groups also play a role in keeping a watchful eye on the many large bureaucratic agencies and small agencies that do much of the work governing in a state. Knowing what we know about organized interest groups, the question is should Texas reform organized interest group’s involvement in Texas politics?
2. Task:
Organized interest groups participate in Texas politics in a variety of ways. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure certain public policy is enacted that reflect the will of the person whom they represent. As you construct your response to the question posed above as to whether the State of Texas should reform organized interest group’s involvement in politics, please be sure to answer the following questions.
1. What is organized interest? As you strive to define organized interest, please make sure you describe the types of interest groups that we might find in Texas and the history of their existence in this state (when did they begin or how long have they been in operation in the state, what has been their impact).
2. Discuss how organized interest groups have impacted voting and policy making in Texas government. Include specific examples of laws that have been passed as a result of organized interest activities.
3. List and explain some of the general benefits and/or problems associated with the existence of organized interest groups in America.
4. Should Texas reform organized interest group’s involvement in politics? Please make sure you provide specific examples of the benefits and/or problems that have resulted from interest group involvement in Texas politics.
3. Process:
1. Search for articles, websites, infographics, and resources about organized interest involvement in Texas.
2. Write a five (5) page, double-spaced paper addressing the four (4) questions posed in the task section above.
5. Evaluation:
A maximum of one hundred (100) points is available for adequately completing the assignment.
6. Conclusion:
This assignment is an exercise that’s intended to help you understand the impact organized interest groups have on Texas politics. It is intended to give you the opportunity to explore the pros and cons of such political influence.
Required Text & Materials:
Title: Texas Politics Today
Author: Jones, Crain, Flores, Wlezien, and Davis
Edition: 19th Edition
Publisher: Cengage
ISBN: 978-0-357-50672-1
