Reference no: EM134032172

Question

a) Blatant bribery is rare. Yet interest groups obviously try to influence policymakers. What are the main strategies interest groups employ for effective influence? Focus on the different approaches interest groups use, the different types of lobbyists and their operating techniques.

b) James Madison dealt with the dilemma of factions over two hundred years ago. What, in Madison's view, was the essential problem of government? Why are interest groups still essential to the legislative process? Is our current system of Interest Group competitiveness and access fair?

c) Politicians need the media and the media needs politicians. For most of American history though politicians seemed to be the senior partners in the relationship, as journalists often failed to report offensive and/or scandalous information. Times have changed. Journalists and editors have become more and more willing to print and broadcast even the most damaging information about prominent political figures. This only continues in the instant media and internet age. Why has the media become less restrained in its news coverage? In turn, politicians and interest groups have attempted to manipulate the media whenever possible. How?