1. Interest Groups Do they really serve our interests?

2. Interest Groups 1. Gather people and resources to support policies that help their members 2. Work to persuade policy members (senators and representatives) to support actions that will help and oppose actions that will hurt their cause 3. Educate general public to gain influence

3. 5 Types Public Economic Professional Ideological Single-Issue

5. Influencing Government Some interest groups are very large and powerful (-) concern they have too much influence… that they can buy the vote’s of candidates (+) some protect and promote our interests

7. Lobbying for Support Interest groups hire lobbyists to meet with members of government Lobbyists provide audience with very carefully chosen information to try and persuade Lawmakers must be aware of their bias and consider both sides of the issue!

8. Endorsing Candidates During elections, some interest groups may endorse, or support, candidates. Interest groups may also donate money ($$$) Candidate gets votes and election contributions from interest group Interest Group hope candidate may later introduce bills, support existing laws, or use influence on committees

9. Raising Money Interest groups raise $$$. Concern: “buy” candidates? To donate must form a PAC. (Political Action Committee) PACs have strict rules on how money can be donated Some groups look for loopholes to get around campaign finance laws Some want groups controlled!

10. Extension: 60 Minutes Washington’s open secret: profitable political action committees The Danger of Political Contributions http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/washington s-open-secret-profitable-pacs/