US FRQs

US Comp FRQs

1.  Interest groups seek to influence political processes in ways that benefit their members. In doing so, however, they may not act in the overall public interest.

(a) Describe two techniques interest groups use to influence elections.
(b) Explain how interest groups use each of the following to influence government decision making.

• Issue networks (also known as iron triangles)
• Amicus curiae briefs

(c) Explain how each of the following serves to limit interest group influence.

• The media

• Pluralism

2.  The framers of the Constitution created a political system based on limited government. The original Constitution and the Bill of Rights were intended to restrict the powers of the national government. Later constitutional developments also limited the powers of state governments.
(a) Explain how each of the following limits the powers of the national executive.
             Federalism
            Checks and balances

(b) Explain how each of the following two provisions in the Bill of Rights limits the powers of the national government.

·       Establishment clause

·       Guarantee of a public trial

(c) Choose one of the following and explain how it limits the power of state governments.

·       Citizenship clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

·       Selective incorporation

Complete these (2) FRQs for Wednesday's class.  You must be ready to share and discuss your findings in small groups and willing to accept advice as well as give it.