1. Choose the statement below that you most agree with Lobbyists have a legitimate role to play in a democratic society, and they help special interests make their arguments to legislators. Lobbyists unfairly manipulate the system, and they use devious methods to convince legislators to do what they want. http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/ L OBBYISTS, W HO, W HAT, AND W HY

2. a lobbyist’s job is to try and convince a government official to support a specific policy position, usually on behalf of a special interest group. many people have a negative perception of lobbyists because of scandals like that involving Jack Abramoff.

3. Watch the video clips and then answer the following questions: What do lobbyists do? How do lobbyists achieve their goals? Are lobbyists fairly or unfairly perceived? Is the lobbying profession ethical or unethical?

4. Jack Abramoff 1.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460028 (4 mins)http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460028 2.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460031 (7 mins)http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460031 3.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460045 (4 mins), http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460050 (2 mins) http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460045 http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/4 460050 Washington Journal Excerpts 1.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/ 4460058 (10 mins)http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/ 4460058 2.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/ 4460059 (3 mins)http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/ 4460059 3.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/ 4460062 (9 mins) http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/ 4460062 Lobbyist Panel 1.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/44 60067 (5 mins)http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/44 60067 2. http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/44 60065 (7 mins)http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/44 60065 3.http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/44 60071 (4 mins) http://www.c- spanvideo.org/clip/44 60071

5. Groups share what they’ve learned, and briefly discuss the questions as a class. Return to the original statements: Lobbyists have a legitimate role to play in a democratic society, and they help special interests make their arguments to legislators. Lobbyists unfairly manipulate the system, and they use devious methods to convince legislators to do what they want. Did you change your mind? Which speakers did you find believable and trustworthy.