Chapter 8

1. From figure 8.1 in the text, select one of the interest groups and do some research on their issues and beliefs.  What did you learn?  What did you find interesting?  Do you agree/disagree with their positions on issues? Why? I learned that National Education Association has around 3.2 million members, Service Employees International Union has around 2.1 million members, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has around 1.6 million members, American Federation of Teachers has around 1.5 million members, International Brotherhood of Teamsters has around 1.4 million members, and Union Food Commercial Works International Union has around 1.3 million members. I didn’t realize there were so many members in each of these unions.

2. Find an interest group with which you associate (positively).  What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive about their position on issues?

3. Do interest groups have enough/too much/the right amount of power in the political system?  Most believe it's a fine-line balance between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of government.  Where is that line and when is it crossed? I think that interest groups have too much power in the political system.  Everyone should have freedom of speech and not feel obligated to do something or be a part of something because of the interest groups said so.

 

1. Rebecca Zuchowski

2. Megan Biggs

3. Nathan Tollett