8 Pages Totaldue Day Fundamental Characteristic R

Length: 6-8 pages total

Due Day 7

Your
task for the first major assignment is to research and report on the
fundamental characteristics of the state government and legislature you
will be trying to impact with your lobbying issue. This assignment,
unlike the next two, is research-heavy, so I am looking for a well-documented variety of sources with a bibliography.

The paper has three distinct components that I will be grading on:

A. Political Culture

Assess
and report on the political culture of your state. This part is
directly based on the lecture notes and Daniel Elazar’s research.
Analyze how political culture, history, demography and social forces
have shaped how citizens view politics, what they expect from
government, and especially how they have shaped governing institutions.
“A” papers will describe how political culture and history have shaped
and influenced how politics is practiced and how institutions such as
the legislature and executive branch utilize power.

B. Key Relationship Analysis

Based
on the lecture and readings about relationships and representation
during Week 2, pick a key member from the committee that will be
considering your bill. This should be someone you’ve identified as
important to the prospects that you hope to influence, and should not be
a dedicated supporter or committed opponent.

Analyze what makes
them tick. What are the key internal and external relationships that
influences their voting behavior? Please make certain that you comment
on the variety of external relationships that we talk about in week two –
i.e. interest groups, family, colleagues, governor and so forth. Also,
take a look at the member’s district and the type of relationship and
memberships they have back home. An interview with the legislator,
legislative staff or other informed party is required. Please document
your interview. If you have trouble scheduling an interview, please
reach out to me (at least one week before the assignment is due) and I
will do my best to assist.

How can those relationships be leveraged for the purposes of your issue?

C. Institutional and Parliamentary Structure

Based
on the lectures and readings about parliamentary procedure and the four
“knows” of the legislature, demonstrate you know something about how
the legislature is organized. In this section, provide me with a concise
backgrounder on what I need to know of the rules and make-up of the
legislature. Pay particular attention to relevant facts that impact your
legislation. This should be an informative essay about the committee
structure, partisan structure, leadership, and relevant rules that
someone unfamiliar with your state would need to know if they start to
lobby. Please do not simply cut and paste from the state legislature’s
website. Give me practical information.