Looking Ahead to the Research Projecct

In the next week or so, each of you should choose an interest group or lobbying firm. You will become our "resident expert" on that organization, and you will make a very brief oral presentation on it later in the semester. 

Examples could include:

• AARP
• GOA
• NRLC
• ACLU
• Pfizer
• Exxon
• SEIU
• AMA
• Autism Speaks

These examples are a tiny sample of what you could choose.

By November 13, write an essay analyzing the organization that you have chosen. In your answer, please answer these questions:

• Whom does the organization represent?
• How does the organization make decisions?
• What are its top current policy priorities? Tell how it is seeking to change or preserve certain statutes, rules, or practices.
• What strategy is it pursuing? Inside game or outside game? Legislative, executive or judicial action?
• In light of the 2020 election, what are its prospects for success over the next year?

Instructions:

• Document your claims. Do not write from the top of your head.
• Essays should be typed (12-point), double-spaced, and no more than eight pages long. I will not read past the eighth page. As always, please submit papers to the Sakai dropbox as Word documents, not pdfs.
• Cite your sources with endnotes in Chicago/Turabian style. Endnote pages do not count against the page limit.
• Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you.
• Due date is 11:59 PM on November 13. Papers will drop a gradepoint for one day's lateness, a full letter grade after that.