1. Interest Groups

2. Interest groups: ZAny organization that seeks to influence public policy ZCan you think of groups around the school that influence policy? ZWhat actions do they take to change policy?

3. Two types ZInstitutional groups ZIndividuals or organizations representing other organizations. ZLarger corporations hire out representation in Washington ZMembership groups ZGroups where people join willingly ZSierra Club, NRA, NAACP

4. Why join an interest group? ZIncentives!!! ZSolidary incentives ZPleasure from joining a group ZMaterial incentives Z$$$ ZPurposive incentives ZThe goal--> actually want to accomplish it

5. Why are there interest groups? ZSocietal divides ZEthnicity, class, location, etc. ZAmerican constitutional system ZGroup gain access to gov’t more often ZWeakness of political parties ZParties weak = interests strong

6. Activities of Interest groups ZWhat is the best way to influence people in government? ZBelieve it or not --> using Information Z Lobbyist : specialist who gather information and present it in as organized persuasive and factual a manner as possible ZA sales person of ideas

7. What makes a good lobbyist? ZTrust?!? ZReputation ZAbility to make an argument

8. Direct lobbying ZPersonal contact with legislators ZFace-to-Face interactions ZSocial parties, lunches, golfing etc.

9. Indirect lobbying ZGrass-roots lobbying ZInfluence the public first, then the legislators respond ZEx. Newspaper headlines, letter writing campaigns, protest demonstration, lawsuits etc.

10. Examples of Interest groups: ZEconomic motives ZTypically represent corporations and Industry ZTobacco, Oil (Thank you for Smoking) ZUnions ZAFL-CIO ZProfessional organizations ZAMA

11. Examples of Interest groups: ZIssue Oriented ZNational Rifle Association ZAARP ZSierra Club ZNational organization of Women ZNORML ZHowever, they seem to periodically loose motivation

12. Examples of Interest groups: ZMiscellaneous groups ZOther countries ZIsraeli interest group ZIdeological interest groups ZLiberal and conservative Economic Policy Institute/American Enterprise Institute ZPublic Interest ZNAACP, ACLU Z1 Branch would lobby another ZChicago to Federal Gov’t ZPresident to Congress

13. List of Interest Groups Zhttp://www.vancouver.wsu.ed u/fac/kfountain/http://www.vancouver.wsu.ed u/fac/kfountain/ ZUse this on your in-class project

14. In Class today and Tomorrow ZChoose an Interest group and describe the following: ZName of organization for which the guest works. ZMission statement of the organization (Goal) ZBrief description of its history ZSource of funding