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FRQ 2A.
Techniques used by interest groups to influence elections...
1.) grassroots lobbying- general public contact legislators, acting for direct people participation, power in numbers
2.) generate public pressure- public tends to emphasize problems that sound immediate so they make issues sound immediate, intended to convince policymakers  that public opinion supports the group's position

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Competition between a variety of interest groups means that legislators are forced to acknowledge more than one view point which often leads to gridlock
The theory of pluralism asserts that such competition will result in the best outcome possible for general welfare

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Gatekeeper - decides what we talk about, front page news, how long remains talking point
Watchdog - uncovers concerns, conspiracies, information, investigative journalism
Agenda Setting - deciding what is worthy of lengthy reflection, explanation
By not talking about the issue, revealing inconsistencies, or covering something constantly the Media can overpower or discredit interest groups

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Friend of Court Brief used by interest groups when a case proceeds to court/litigation
Used to provide information to the judiciary that could aid in making a decision which aligns with the interests of the group

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Connection between congressional committee, federal department or agency, and interest group
The connection include donations of information and money and can lead to a circular, mutually beneficial relationship for all involved

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Techniques used by interest groups to influence elections

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Techniques used by interest groups to influence elections

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Monetary donations - through a PAC or super PAC, or directly donated (includes independent expenditures)
Ratings (how supportive the candidate is of the interest group on a scale) and endorsements (like the apple ballot for teachers)
Mobilizing members to volunteer for the candidate
Assisting with policy development by providing information on specific issues

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The media can act as a gatekeeper of information or a watchdog of interest group behavior. Pluralism limits interest group influence because of the competition among a vast number of groups.

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Influence groups unite to creat a larger group to influence government policy,
Amicus Curiae are used to influence court decisions

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2b. issue networks - providing money, info, and resources in hopes of obtaining political support from congress or white house. Amicus curiae briefs- inform the court in hopes of influencing the acceptance of cases, court reasoning, or decisions

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C.) The media: People are more likely to believe what the news tells them and what they see on social media so it limits interest groups influence on them.
Pluralism: If there is more than one office, people will pay attention to the people in office and not the other interest groups.

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B) Interest groups use issue networks or iron triangles to come together and push a common Idea out to the public.

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FRQ 2a
Lobbying and creating PACs are two techniques interest groups use to influence elections

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A. Interest groups use
- grass roots lobbying to influence elections
-most have PACs which give money to help their desired candidate
-use different incentives to mobilize voters