Step 1

Compare the Democratic and Republican Party platforms/issue stances. What is their overall message (understood from the preamble, topics focused on, language used, etc.)? Pick three issues both parties discuss in their platform, and compare/contrast the parties' positions on these issues.

Step 2

Identify an interest group that focuses on one of the three issues you examined from the party platforms. Compare the Democratic and Republican Party stances to the interest group--look at the mission statement and information online.

How do the parties differ from the interest group on the issues? Be sure to use specific examples to demonstrate your point. (Note: review the textbook and/or lecture slides for the definition and examples of interest groups if you are unsure what group to pick.)