Author Question: Describe how the Internet has allowed interest groups to exert greater influence on government. ... (Read 126 times)

pepyto · **on:** Jul 10, 2018

Describe how the Internet has allowed interest groups to exert greater influence on government.

Answer:

Question 2

Studies have shown that political action committees (PACs) contribute disproportionately to incumbent candidates. Why do PACs pursue this strategy in their campaign contributions? Are there any potential drawbacks?

Answer:

hramirez205 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 10, 2018

Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1. Note that a way to influence government is to influence the public.
2. Describe ways that the Internet can be used effectively to mobilize and influence voters. Include a description of how social media is used.
3. Include examples of strategies used by such organization as Business and Industrial Political Action Committee (BIPAC) and MoveOn.org.
4. Describe the two ways that the Internet helps interest groups. It allows for citizens to organize themselves and opens online forms of political action.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1. Explain that PACs are strategic in how they invest their funds; they want to get the most impact out of their contributions.
2. Note that incumbent candidates are more likely to win, so groups that donate to PACs are more likely to gain access to elected officials after the election.
3. Explain one or more drawbacks to this strategy, including the possibility that the challenger will win and groups will not have the same type of access to the newly elected officials.