Call to Order Mr. Lummel and Ms. Zeins are sad to see the school year coming to a close. They would like to see Baltimore City Schools switch to a year-round calendar so that students will still be in classes over summer. 1.What are some ways that they can try to influence lawmakers to change the law? 2.What will some obstacles be to changing the law?

Today’s Objectives Students will be able to describe and depict influences on the lawmaking process by Examining the influence of interest groups on the legislative process Analyzing political cartoons Creating their own political cartoon

In the News… Giffords Shooting intro

1. What laws could you pass in order to prevent this tragedy from happening again?

The Blame Game… Gun Control Clip

2. Do you think that this shooting is an example of how the U.S. needs stricter gun laws? Why or why not? When the dust cleared, 19 people were shot, 6 people were killed, and the killer was taken into custody. Rep. Giffords was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to her head.

The National Rifle Association expressed its concern about the attack, but immediately blamed the attacker, saying that he was mentally unstable. In their view, it was not the gun that killed people, it was the person holding it. 3. Why would the National Rifle Association try to prevent any gun control laws from being passed?

Glock, Inc, the company that manufactures that guns used in the Arizona shooting, donated $115,000 to the NRA. They issued the following statement: “There are millions of NRA members and thousands of certified NRA firearms instructors who are continually protecting our Second Amendment rights and promoting firearms safety.” 4. How might the NRA use that money to influence the public and lawmakers?

Interest Group one persuade An organization with one goal that tries to persuade lawmakers to support their issues.

Interest Groups How to Interest Groups Influence Lawmakers? Donate money to a lawmaker’s campaign Endorse lawmakers running for election I totally support the National Rifle Association and the right of Americans to own guns… and it has nothing to do with the thousands of dollars that they donate to me…

5. How much money did the NRA donate the lawmakers during 2010? Why might people disagree with this?

But, it takes more than money to influence laws… Take a look at these guys first…

Played for the New York Knicks from , where he won two championships. As coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, he has won 12 championships. Phil Jackson

Won three championships with the Yankees during the 90’s. Coached the Yankees to their first World Series since 2000 last year. Joe Girardi

Won a Super Bowl as a special teams player with the Steelers in Became the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl in TONY DUNGY 6. What trend do you notice between Phil Jackson, Joe Girardi, and Tony Dungy? Why do you think this happens?

The career change was made easier by their inside knowledge of the game  Becoming a coach is easier because they actually played the game themselves as players. The same is true for lawmakers…

Former US Representative from Oklahoma from First black Republican to win in a southern state since reconstruction. Current owner of J.C. Watts Companies, a lobbying and consulting firm. JC Watts

Senator from Kansas from Former Presidential candidate. Currently ranked among the top 50 most powerful lobbyists in Washington. Bob Dole

Senator from South Dakota from Currently, an influential healthcare lobbyist. Was the President’s first choice to lead the Health and Human Services Dept. TOM DASCHLE 7. What trend do you notice between JC Watts, Bob Dole, and Tom Daschle? Why do you think this happens?

Lobbyists go through Revolving Door Cycle Lawmaker?Lobbyist? Employees cycle between a job in industry and then a job in gov’t, and back and forth

Revolving Door Former legislators or lawmakers have a lot of the qualities that are necessary to be a good lobbyist. Understand legislation (lawmaking) and the system Have connections in Congress Persuasive and powerful Well-respected

A lobbyist is…  a person hired by an interest group to persuade lawmakers to support an issue.  A lobbyist works for an interest group.

8. What skills does a good lobbyist need? Thank you for lobbying

The poor The middle-class The wealthy 9. Who’s views are presented more often to lawmakers? Explain why. 10. Does this represent a democracy? Define democracy in your own words and explain your response.

1.What conclusion can be made based off of the cartoon? A. Congressmen and lobbyists are friends. B. Congressmen do not trust lobbyists. C. Lobbyists are wealthy and well-educated. D. Many Congressmen become lobbyists after their time in Congress.

2. Which of the following best explains why Congressmen become lobbyists? A. Lobbyists are very popular and well-liked B. After working as a congressman, being a lobbyist is a part-time job C. Former congressman understand the legislative process D. Congressmen are not as influential as lobbyists

Interest groups and lobbyists dedicate a lot of money and time to influence lawmakers. Ordinary citizens do not have the same resources to dedicate to influencing lawmakers. What does the image suggest about the impact lobbyists have on the relationship between voters and congress?

Create your own political cartoon that demonstrates the relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists.