This document summarizes key aspects of voting, lobbying, and government agencies in the United States: 1) It lists various elected positions that citizens can vote for from the President down to local mayors and council members. It also discusses initiatives, referendums, and recalls that allow public voting on issues, laws, and removing officials from office. 2) It provides a brief history of voting rights expansions in the US from only white male property owners in the early 1820s to all races, women, 18-year-olds, and Native Americans at different points over time. 3) It notes that agencies like the FDA and EPA are created by Congress to make specific rules regarding issues like

1. Voting, Lobbying and Agencies You and the Law 9/14/06

2. Who do you vote for? President Senators US reps Governor State sens. State reps UM supervisors UM school board Bridgeport Mayor Bridgeport City Council

3. Voting for Issues Initiatives allow people to propose a law by petition Sometimes go to legislature Sometimes go to electorate

4. Referendum – when a legislative act goes to voters for final approval Gambling in Atlantic City Gay rights in Colorado

5. Recall – allows the removal of officials from office Evan Meecham Frank Rizzo Gray Davis

6. Voting Rights <1820s only white male property owners over 21 1820s non-property owners - in 1820s Blacks - 1870 – 15 th Amendment

7. Women – 1920 – 19 th Amendment Native Americans – 1924 Voting Rights Act 1965 18-yr-olds – 1971 – 26 Amendment

8. Registering to Vote Courthouse, some postoffices, DMV, online http://www.dos.state.pa.us • absentee ballot

9. Decline in Voting Why? Work with people around you to come up with a proposal to encourage voting

10. Agencies Congress makes the general rules, then creates agencies to make specifics Agencies make many rules Ingredients in food (FDA) Where trash can be dumped (EPA)

11. Lobbying Trying to convince a lawmaker to vote for or against an issue Groups are more influential NRA -NEA AARP

12. Lobbying Techniques Direct discussion Political contributions Ads Letter-writing campaign

13. Should lobbying be allowed? Limitations?