How much influence do you believe interest groups have over policy outcomes? As indicated in the textbook, journalists point out the fact that legislators who receive large PAC contributions often vote to please their donors

On the other hand, political scientists explain that PACs often give money to legislators who support their agendas. What is your opinion? Provide evidence to support your argument.

What will be an ideal response?

An ideal response will:
1, Offer an understanding of both sides of the discussion regarding whether groups influence policy outcomes.
2, Discuss that while interest groups may not buy votes, they may buy time, which means lawmakers may devote the needed time and energy to promote a particular policy; in the absence of the group, the lawmaker may have been less willing to devote this time to the issue. Interest group support may lead to lawmakers working for compromises on issues, advantages like tax breaks or contracts. The influence may be more effective on non-controversial issues and on uncommitted lawmakers.
3, Discuss how despite claims of vote buying and interest group influence over votes, significant research has found a lack of such influence. Influence is unlikely to occur on floor votes, for example, because most of the important decisions have already happened in committee. Members of congress also face other sources of influence like their constituents, party leaders, and their own preferences. It is unlikely the interest can overcome these other pressures. Finally, most interest groups try to lobby members of Congress who were already going to support them anyway; thus it is unlikely the member was swayed by the group.