There is wide agreement that the number of interest groups in the ...

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There is wide agreement that the number of interest groups in the United States has grown steadily since the late 1960s. Why is this so? Do you believe the number of interest groups will continue to grow over the next few decades? Why or why not?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain the role of the Speaker of the House. List the responsibilities the position includes, and discuss the kinds of power or influence these responsibilities grant the Speaker.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

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Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1, Discuss the reasons for the steady growth in the number of interest groups in the United States.First, the Constitution facilitates the rise in the number of interests. The First Amendment guarantees the right to speech and assembly.Since power is fragmented in the United States through separate branches of government and federalism, there are numerous access points for groups. Second, society is diverse, and many interests form to reflect that diversity.Third, government has become active in social, economic, and personal life.Fourth, events sometimes occur that threaten interests, resulting in interest group formation and mobilization.
2, Discuss whether or not you believe the number of interest groups will continue to grow over the next few decades.Explain why or why not.For example, if arguing that the number of interests will continue to grow, the answer might discuss how new issues will develop and interest groups will arise to represent those interests.If arguing that interest group numbers will not continue to grow, the answer might indicate that there is some limit to the number of interests that can exist at one time.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that the Speaker is the leader of the House and stands second in the line of succession to the presidency, immediately after the vice president.
2, Note that the Speaker has more power and influence than any other representative or senator.
3, List several of the Speaker's responsibilities to demonstrate the sources of his or her power and influence: He or she names conference committee members, appoints members to the powerful Rules Committee, and exercises strong influence over the appointment of the chairs of other committees; refers bills to committees for hearings and review; appoints the leaders of the majority party's organizations, including the campaign finance committee and the party caucus; has the power to recognize (or not recognize) people to speak during floor debates; and is in charge of the House's schedule, which can be used to encourage favored bills and stop others.