Intrest Groups, Money, and Elections

An interest group is a collection of people who share certain views on public matters and work to shape public polity to their benefit.

Strategies of Interest Groups

Lobbying is when interest groups attempting to influence public officials' governing. They can influence decisions through amicus curiae briefs, which are written arguments submitted to the courts in support of one side of a case. They also raise money for campaigns.

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The Federal Reserve

Federal Reserve was established to serve as the central banking system of the United States. This was aimed to: Minimize banking panics Improve stability of the U.S. economy Organize, standardize, and stabilize American currency Their primary task is controlling the country's money supply, the now also control monetary policy. They change the reserve ratio requirements for banks. Requiring banks to have higher reserve ratios per deposit forces the bank to lend less, decreasing the overall money supply. Allowing banks to decrease their reserve ratios per deposit allows the bank to lend more, which increases the overall money supply. The Fed also raises and lowers short-term interest rates to influence demand. Lower interest rates in crease economic demand and flow of currency, higher interest rates do the opposite. Lastly, the Fed buys issued securities from large banks or security dealers, increasing the money supply. If it sells these securities it is decreasing the money ...
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Congressional Powers

Necessary and Proper Clause It gives Congress all the power it needs to carry out its enumerated powers. (a.k.a the Elastic Clause) Enumerated Implied Lay and collect taxes Punish tax evaders Borrow money Establish Federal Reserve System Raise an army and navy Establish a draft Regulate commerce Establish a minimum wage State of Maryland does not have the power to tax an institution created by Congress according to its powers under the Constitution. Congress has power under the Constitution to incorporate a bank according to the Necessary and Proper clause. McCulloch v. Maryland set a precedent of an expansive interpretation of the Constitution that gives broad powers to Congress. Commerce power has grown to encompass nearly every form of economic activity today.
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Controlling Power in Government

Who gets the say in government? Dictatorships Have power and authority to set rule rests with a single individual, including social, economic, political, and military policy. Totaliarian dictatorship Ideas of the leader are glorified and all aspects of the countryś functions are controlled through him. Absolute monarchy King, queen, or emporor has the supreme power to rule their people. This role is often hereditary. Military dictatorship Forms when a leader uses the military to enforce their rule. This is more likely to lead to an erosion of civil liberties for its citizens. Republic / Indirect democracy Decisions in government are made by leaders who have acquired power by competing for the people's vote. Voters ultimately serve as the source of the government's authority. Direct democracy When most or all citizens participate directly in making policy and govern themselves.
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