1. From figure 8.1 in the text, select one of the interest groups and do some research on their issues and beliefs. What did you learn? What did you find interesting? Do you agree/disagree with their positions on issues? Why?

2. Find an interest group with which you associate (positively). What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive about their position on issues?

3. Do interest groups have enough/too much/the right amount of power in the political system? Most believe it's a fine-line balance between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of government. Where is that line and when is it crossed?

1: I chose to do my research on NEA, National Education Association. I picked this group because I am in school to become a teacher and thought that this would be a great opportunity to learn about this group.
The NEA was founded in 1857, when 100 educators came together with the common goal to unite as a voice for public education. They believe that every student, regardless of family income, race, sex, or any other identifying characterise has the civic right to a quality education. I find this to be very inspiring, as I agree. I decided to become a teacher because I see how so many children are struggling, and hope to make a difference in their lives and education.
I learned that the NEA and the AFT are partnered. They are joined in this "We are committed to nurturing and improving public education above all. We are determined to fight for family needs, which must be met in order to make our public schools the equalizer they have been and should be for society. This encompasses quality of life issues, such as health care for all Americans, safe neighborhoods and a caring government."
I think it is inspiring that there are so many people working to better our children's education.

2: I am positively associated with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. I am going to associate with this group for several reasons: 1 They work to improve the early education programs and I am a mother who is always looking for better early education outlets for my son. We are currently enrolled in Birth to Kindergarten and Ready! for Kindergarten, two programs that would not be in existence were it not for AFSCME. 2 is the that my future husband and father of my son is an employee of the county. He works really hard and deals with a lot of unfair treatment and I am glad that there is someone fighting for him.
They believe in fighting for the children. How can you argue that?


3: I think that this depends largely on which group you are talking about. Many of these groups are only interested in doing what is right and are often overlooked. But I would have to agree that is is a balancing act when it comes to the interest groups and the political system. Interest groups need to do their job, be heard, and be taken seriously. They are fighting for the common man and are trying to exercise our right to check the government and demand better for ourselves. But I also believe hat many interest groups are not as honest as they want to appear and could in fact do a lot more harm than good were they to have no limitations.