NRA & Money in Politics?
The National Rifle Association of America is a gun rights advocacy group based in the United States. Founded in 1871, the group has informed its members about firearm-related legislation since 1934, and it has directly lobbied for and against firearms legislation since 1975. The mission of the NRA is to “To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, especially with reference to the inalienable right of the individual American citizen guaranteed by such Constitution to acquire, possess, collect, exhibit, transport, carry, transfer ownership of, and enjoy the right to use arms.”
Check out the infographic above about the NRA and campaign contributions to Democrats and Republicans and answer the questions that follow.
Questions for Completion.
1. Identify two trends you notice in the infographic.
2. Why do you think the NRA donated to both parties? What does this tell you about American politics?
3. How do you think campaign contributions influence the behavior of members of Congress? Why?