Forum 3.5 - The Rules of the Game

11/13/2017

Guiding Thought Question: In American Politics, special interests groups are able to raise money to support political candidates who share their beliefs and values. What do you think about the process of large groups and corporations being able to directly aid politicians? Explain your ideas.

Today's Learning Objective: Students will be able to explain what interest groups are, and how they use lobbyists to achieve their political goals.

27 Comments

Interpreter B.O.B

11/13/2017 07:37:26 am

It's wack, yo.

Interpreter B.O.B

11/13/2017 07:47:51 am

While I understand that the idea behind this is to allow organizations to use their power & money to help a cause - and that's always good - I'm not a super yuge fan of "large groups and organizations" such as, say, Exxon directly "aiding" politicians to ignore climate change appeals & need for a better fuel source, since it's in their best interest, for example.

While I understand the system has the potential of being really good, and occasionally is used as such, the ability to hold cooperate interest over the people's interest is a common reoccurring theme and I can't find a real good reason to be in favor of directly aiding politicians. It's too easy becoming corrupt.

Ally

11/13/2017 07:37:46 am

I think that some politicians are at a disadvantage because they lack the support of the large groups, who have the money to help politicians form a stronger campaign.

gundy

11/13/2017 07:43:08 am

I think that it's cool that they can raise money to give money to the candidates you want. It can be a good investment because if your candidate wins it can be really beneficial but if not it was kind of waste of money. I also feel like the donors kind of shape what the politicians are doing so that can also be a good or bad thing.

seth

11/13/2017 07:48:55 am

I don't think that large groups should be able to directly aid politicians because their ideas are often not similar with the public and so the politicians are able to stay in office with out having similar ideas or opinions as the public.

Gracia

11/13/2017 07:50:12 am

I believe that the process of large groups and corporations can send misleading messages or not the full truth to get society to put money into into these groups because it's in their best interest.

Tori

11/13/2017 07:50:46 am

I think its helpful but people cant help due to the fact bigger companies have more money.

holly

11/13/2017 07:53:18 am

corporations are to big for the people to have power. the large groups can help candidates get elected they use the money from the people to buy ads and promotions.

Riley

11/13/2017 08:00:23 am

I feel like it could be a little unfair. Most big business groups would support republicans and more environmental friendly and all those things would support the democrats.

isabeau

11/13/2017 08:44:47 am

not to be that kid but I don't really have an opinion.

Hannah

11/13/2017 09:29:24 am

I think that it's a bit unfair because some politicians don't have the same connections and lack the amount of support that large groups have and its those groups that have the money to help politicians form a stronger and ultimately better campaign.

Rylee

11/13/2017 11:53:45 am

I think that large organizations should not be able to back up politicians because then they can have them spread the messages that they want and maybe aren't helpful to the environment or the people.

Maliya

11/13/2017 12:01:24 pm

I don't have a super big opinion but don't really agree with the large groups and organizations being able to directly financially aid politicians because then they can persuade/pay politicians to do things in their favor.

Amanda

11/13/2017 12:07:34 pm

There is a fine line between big corporations helping a politician reach their goals of being elected (since they have matching agendas) and influencing a politician with the promise of money to swing one way that more so benefits the corporation. Since there is not always a way to tell the difference, a politician should be as transparent about his or her sponsors as possible so that the voters can decide if the politician is being corrupted by the corporation.

Dunavan

11/13/2017 02:42:30 pm

I believe that it is unfair because they can tell their lobbyists what to uses the money for but at the same not tell them. This also leads to conflict of interest
if we are trying to cut back oil usage but BP sponsor the next president his or her feelings become bias by not trying to lose that sponsor.

mackenzee

11/14/2017 11:48:42 am

I think it is fine they should be able to do what they want with their own money and decide how to use/ distribute it

Hanqviest

11/14/2017 11:48:58 am

I think it could be both bad and good. Depending on the politicians beliefs and what their motives for being a candidate are can be both bad and good. For example if a presidential candidate wanted to run for president to focus on the environment and improving its conditions and a lot of corporations are funding that, its great. If a president is working to add more green house gases in the environment and receiving funds for that, I don't think that would be a good thing.

aleyse evers

11/14/2017 11:50:28 am

I don't think its right for big corporations to directly aid politicians because its a corrupt. If they share the same beliefs then its literally like cheating.

Eliza

11/14/2017 11:52:23 am

I can see either side of it being good and bad but overall I think it is a good idea. b/c it can enforce their vote. People don't have to follow or believe what the groups are supporting but if people want their politician to succeed then it is a good idea.

Hailey

11/14/2017 11:53:23 am

I think that it is fair up to a point. When large corporations donate large amounts of money to politicians it puts other politicians at a disadvantage and the race becomes more about money and less about the real issues.

Karoline

11/14/2017 11:53:43 am

I think that people supporting candidates is good. If you have the ability to support them monetarily, that's great. However, if you are blackmailing them into adopting your beliefs by giving them money if they help further your goals, then that's not ok.

McMain

11/14/2017 11:54:14 am

I think it is a good way to boost your campaign, however, I think that it could also hurt your campaign because it could be false information or people may not want the characteristic advertised.

Kristianna

11/14/2017 11:59:44 am

I feel like it is fair for the most part. However, they shouldn't be bribing the politician to put that organization's ideas into action.

Horvath

11/14/2017 12:02:43 pm

I think that It's fine that they are using the money that the company's give them. All they are doing is using there connections they have earned through out there career. I feel that today in age people aren't getting places without connections that they need or want.

Chloe

11/14/2017 12:03:41 pm

It is a good thing because then all the focus is put on that one group where there is the one focus, so there is a chance that they would get more money, It is better to have one area to be collecting the money so no money gets lost in transfer. 👌🏻

teagan

11/14/2017 12:15:18 pm

If they know that have supporters, they have more motivation to do their job efficiently. The other politicians that are not getting donations for big companies don't have the same advantages as the others.

lauryn

11/14/2017 06:54:39 pm

I think some politicians would be at a disadvantage because some don't have that big of support as others do. Some people are richer than other which could cause the people that are richer get ahead of votes and have a better chance to win.

Environmental Policy Class Forum

Welcome to the Forum! Here is where you will be answering your daily warm-up questions. Please do not enter your last name for privacy reasons, and you may use a nickname if you would like (Just make sure Mr. Tredinnick is aware of the nickname you are using). Write out thoughtful responses to the forums on the days they are assigned. If you miss a day please take it upon yourself to complete the Forum you missed. Each Forum has the targeted Learning Objective(s) there so you can see what the focus of the day's class will be.

Forum 3.5 - The Rules of the Game

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