1. Define the term "lobbying."

2. How much have the Big Three - Ford, General Motors and Chrysler - spent lobbying Congress so far this year?

3. How much money have the Big Three donated overall to federal candidates in the 2008 elections?

4. a) How does the bailout proposal for automakers made by House Democrats differ from the bailout proposed by the White House?
b) How do Senate Democrats propose to help automakers?

5. a) How much money have Michigan Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (Republican) and John Dingell (Democrat) received from the Big Three this election cycle?
b) How does each Congressman view a government bailout of the Big Three?

6. a) Do you think the government should bail out the Big Three? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

7. CHALLENGE: Read the commentary "Say no to the auto bailout" at cnn.com.
a) Do you think Mr. Mitchell makes a good case for why the auto industry should not be bailed out? Explain your answer.
b) Do an internet search for a commentary supporting the auto industry bailout. Do you think that commentator makes a good case for why the auto industry should be bailed out? Explain your answer.