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Interest Groups Organizing To Influence Annenberg Learner

Leo Migdal
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interest groups organizing to influence annenberg learner

Classroom Resources > Democracy in America > 14. Interest Groups: Organizing To Influence Interest Groups: Organizing To Influence After completing this session, you will be able to: This penultimate unit delves into the role of interest groups in American political life. America has, as Tocqueville noted, long been a nation of joiners.

We have a long history of joining together for common purposes, and thus it no surprise that organized groups prevail throughout the political system. As the unit shows, however, interest groups are not easily categorized. There is a wide variety of interests represented in the political system and they use an equally wide array of tactics and strategies. Part of this unit demonstrates the vibrancy of strategies and tactics employed by groups attempting to influence public policy. The framers of the U.S. Constitution understood that organized interests would always attempt to exert influence on policy.

They developed a constitutional system of republican government that takes organized interests as a given, and thus allows interests to weigh in on policy-making in various ways. In making the case for the Constitution’s ratification, James Madison placed the problem of organized interests at the center of his theory of republican democracy. In “Federalist No. 10,” he warns of the “mischief of factions” (i.e., organized interests) that could threaten individual or other groups’ liberties. The remedy for the problem of factions lies not in trying to eliminate them, but in controlling their effects. One solution is to encourage the proliferation of various groups of different shapes, sizes, and motives so that no one group dominates the others in ways that undercut basic rights and liberties.

Classroom Resources > Democracy in America A video course for high school, college and adult learners ; 15 half-hour video programs, print guide, and website. Democracy in America, a video course in civics, covers topics of civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions recommended by The Civics Framework for the National Assessment of Educational Progress developed by the U.S. Department of Education. The 15 half-hour video programs, hosted by national television correspondent Renée Poussaint, and related print and Web site materials provide inservice and preservice teachers with both cognitive and experiential learning in civics education. Democracy in America is a unique 15-part course for high school teachers that combines video, print, and web resources to provide a deeper understanding of the principles and workings of American democracy.

By combining compelling video stories of individuals interacting with American government, theoretical discussions of the meaning of democracy, and problem-solving, hands-on exercises, the course gives life to the workings of American democracy. This course is being offered at a time of great optimism. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the promising successes of new democracies in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and South Africa all point to the triumph of liberal democracy. Still, in the aftermath of these great advances, there is reason for profound concern. Never has the democratic ideal been so ascendant and yet so precarious. Americans still believe that democracy is the worthiest form of government and they take great pride in the U.S.

Constitution. Nevertheless, less than half the eligible citizens vote in even presidential elections, and a majority of Americans distrust their government. Disengagement from political and civic life seems to be increasing, particularly among the young. There is a growing consensus that American civic life is in need of serious repair. Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available.

Log In to view the full length title. Shows how America's large number of corporate, citizen-action, and grassroots-interest groups enhance the representative process by giving citizens a role in shaping policy agendas. Part of Democracy in America Series. Civil Liberties: Safeguarding The Individual Major funding provided by the Department of Education The Described and Captioned Media Program provides premium media designed for students with disabilities and leads as a resource for families and teachers, supported by the Department of Education.

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Classroom Resources > Democracy In America > 14. Interest Groups:

Classroom Resources > Democracy in America > 14. Interest Groups: Organizing To Influence Interest Groups: Organizing To Influence After completing this session, you will be able to: This penultimate unit delves into the role of interest groups in American political life. America has, as Tocqueville noted, long been a nation of joiners.

We Have A Long History Of Joining Together For Common

We have a long history of joining together for common purposes, and thus it no surprise that organized groups prevail throughout the political system. As the unit shows, however, interest groups are not easily categorized. There is a wide variety of interests represented in the political system and they use an equally wide array of tactics and strategies. Part of this unit demonstrates the vibranc...

They Developed A Constitutional System Of Republican Government That Takes

They developed a constitutional system of republican government that takes organized interests as a given, and thus allows interests to weigh in on policy-making in various ways. In making the case for the Constitution’s ratification, James Madison placed the problem of organized interests at the center of his theory of republican democracy. In “Federalist No. 10,” he warns of the “mischief of fac...

Classroom Resources > Democracy In America A Video Course For

Classroom Resources > Democracy in America A video course for high school, college and adult learners ; 15 half-hour video programs, print guide, and website. Democracy in America, a video course in civics, covers topics of civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions recommended by The Civics Framework for the National Assessment of Educational Progress developed by the U.S. Department of Education....

By Combining Compelling Video Stories Of Individuals Interacting With American

By combining compelling video stories of individuals interacting with American government, theoretical discussions of the meaning of democracy, and problem-solving, hands-on exercises, the course gives life to the workings of American democracy. This course is being offered at a time of great optimism. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the promising successes of new democracies in Eastern Europe, La...