Answer to Question 1
An ideal response will:
1, Offer an understanding of both sides of the discussion regarding whether groups influence policy outcomes.
2, Discuss that while interest groups may not buy votes, they may buy time, which means lawmakers may devote the needed time and energy to promote a particular policy; in the absence of the group, the lawmaker may have been less willing to devote this time to the issue. Interest group support may lead to lawmakers working for compromises on issues, advantages like tax breaks or contracts. The influence may be more effective on non-controversial issues and on uncommitted lawmakers.
3, Discuss how despite claims of vote buying and interest group influence over votes, significant research has found a lack of such influence. Influence is unlikely to occur on floor votes, for example, because most of the important decisions have already happened in committee. Members of congress also face other sources of influence like their constituents, party leaders, and their own preferences. It is unlikely the interest can overcome these other pressures. Finally, most interest groups try to lobby members of Congress who were already going to support them anyway; thus it is unlikely the member was swayed by the group.
Answer to Question 2
An ideal response will:
1, Explain Madison's views about factions, which he defined as groups pursuing their self-interest at the expense of the broader public good.
2, Provide multiple of examples of modern-day groups that would be considered factions, such as specific interest groups, political action committees (PACs), or even political parties.
3, Explain what goals each faction pursues and evaluate whether the group's activities work against the public good.