2. What role have political parties played in the United States government? (past)
What role do they play in the United States government? (present)
What role do you think they will play in the United States government? (future)

3. Take out your homework and place them on your desk!
Quick Write: (write 3-4 sentences)
Is the Tea Party a Political Party? Justify your answer (use quotes if necessary).

5. Interest Groups vs. Political Parties
What is the purpose of an interest group?
Name 3 differences between Interest Groups and Political Parties
(hint: has to do with a elected officials)

6. 1. Official vs. NonOfficial
P.P. focus on running candidates for office and coordinating activities of elected officials Vs. Elections in a I.G. which don’t have an official government position

7. 2. Legal Advantage
P.P. have legal advantages that they can use to influence policy (guaranteed positions on ballots)

8. 3. Direct Influence
Elected members of political parties have direct influence: propose, debate, and vote on policies. Vs. I.G. have an indirect influence. They try to persuade officials to support them and help elect candidates that share their goals.

9. 3 Types of Groups
Economic Groups (corporations, trade associations, labor groups, professional organizations)
Citizen Groups (public interest groups)
Single-Issue Groups

10. Pull up a list of Interest Groups
Categorize 10 interest groups into the 3 categories and explain why they were there.

11. Political Action Committees
Interest group or a division of an interest group that can raise money to contribute to campaign or spend on ads in support of candidates. They are limited in amount it can spend on campaigning.