American Government 1: Theories, Policies and Politics
SSTH 037 059

Be sure to include ALL pages of this project (including the directions and the assignment) when you send the project to your teacher for grading. Don’t forget to put your name and I.D. number at the top of this page!

This project will count for 12% of your overall grade for this course. Be sure to read all the instructions and assemble all the necessary materials before you begin.

Interest Groups

Select one of the political interest groups discussed in your textbook. Analyze the functions of this group.  Be sure to note the name of the interest group at the start of your project.

Use at least two sources outside your course materials. Websites, newspapers, and news programs will be helpful sources.  Records of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate (available in many libraries and online) may help you determine the group’s impact on legislation.

Your project should address the following points:

• What kind of interest group is it? Be sure to note the size of the group and whether it has state or local chapters. Identify the type of group that it is by using the definitions provided in your textbook. (25 points)
• What positions or policies does the group advocate? (25 points)
• How does the group try to influence policy makers? You may discuss legislative bills, lobbying efforts, etc. (25 points)
• How successful has the group been? (25 points)

You may do your project as a written paper, a PowerPoint Presentation, or a website.

• If you do a written paper, it should be at least 3 pages (900 words), typed, and double-spaced.
• If you do a Power Point Presentation, you should have at least 15 slides and use at least two visual aids (charts, photos, etc.).
• If you do a website, you will need to have a well-organized layout that meets all grading criteria and uses at least two visual aids (charts, photos, etc.). You will need to send the URL for your site to your teacher with your project submission. Your website should be equal in substance and information to a three-page paper.

Be sure to cite each source that you use (including any images you use for visual aids). Refer to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, which may be accessed online or in many libraries. Your project should be free from spelling, typing, and grammatical errors.

Complete your project in the space provided at the end of this project assignment document (scroll down).

To submit the project, save this project assignment document. Use the course number, your name, and the project number in your file’s title:

SSTH037059_ABStudent_Project3.doc

Go to your course management system to upload your project file. If you are submitting a file larger than 5000 K (5 MG), you will need to use the UNHS Dropbox. Directions are provided on your project submission page in your course management system.