Discussion 1: Public policy

Please respond to the following:

• Using your research from the e-Activity, briefly identify: (a) your interest group policy area; (b) the number of groups that you found; (c) a specific interest group for a more focused review; and (d) the amount of power and influence of this specific interest group.

• Imagine you belong to an interest group that advocates for a particular policy you care about. Using the e-Activity from (President Trump's Budget document), recommend the best venue for seeking attention to your policy issues, and state your reasons for your selection(s).

Discussion 2: "Unofficial Actors" Based on the lecture, address the following:

• Many members of the news media say that they are just a "mirror" of society and that they simply reflect what happens in society. They would argue that their influence is relatively small. Using the Anti-Bullying Policy as an example, take a position on whether you agree or disagree with this position.

• Families may be considered as unofficial actors in many federal and state policies, discuss a policy issue where unofficial actors have made a significant presence in changing a federal or state policy. Justify your response with examples.