Day(s)

Topics

Readings/Assignments Due

1-2

The Mass Media:  structure, functions, and impact on public opinion

O’Connor Chapter 15

Current event connection

3-5

Interest Groups and PACs:

What interest groups do, how they do it, and how this affects both the political process and public policy. 

O’Connor Chapter 16

Woll Ch. 5:  “The Governmental Process”; “The Misplaced Obsession with PACs”

Practice FRQ

6-8

Political Parties (and elections):

O’Connor Chapter 12

Woll Ch. 4;  “Federalist Papers #10”; “Party Government”; “Divided We Govern”

Seminar:  Evaluate the role of interest groups or Is the two-party system effective?

9

UNIT TEST