FRQ #21

Two major provisions in the Bill of Rights that protect individuals who try to influence politics are freedom of speech and freedom of press. Interest groups may use litigation to exert influence over policy by going to the Supreme Court to declare constitutionality. For example the NAACP has successfully used litigation in the Supreme Court to secure their civil rights. Also, interest groups may use lobbying in the House or Senate to promote their interests. Through lobbying, interest groups can have direct contact with policymakers, which helps put a face to a cause and hopefully sway policymakers. Federal government does regulate influence of interest groups by requiring the registration of PACs and setting limits on donations to candidates campaigns.

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.

1. (a)  Explain two provisions in the Bill of Rights that protect individuals who try to influence politics.
2. (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
3. (c)  Describe one specific federal governmental regulation of interest groups. 
   
   http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_us_govt_politics_scoring_guidelines.pdf