PLS 304 Lecture Notes - Lecture 60: Amicus Curiae, Divided Government
Document Summary
Pled guilty in 2006 to 3 felony counts for fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy to bribe public officials. Funneled millions on behalf of his clients to reps and senators for campaign war chests and elaborate gifts. Define lobbying effort by an interest group or advocacy group to influence the behavior of a public official. Interest groups will bring a test case to the courts. Madison"s term for groups or parties that try to advance their own interests at the expense of the public good. What does it mean to have a divided government? control of the executive and legislative branches by different political parties. Liberal: favoring an active federal govt, helping citizens with jobs, education, and medical care, supporting a woman"s right to choose and protecting civil rights. Conservative: opposing govt activism, supporting business, and opposing abortion and same-sex marriage. What is a unified government? control of the executive and legislative branches by the same political party.
