American Government C H A P T E R 9 INTEREST GROUPS

The Role of Interest Groups  Interest groups: private organizations whose members share views & work to shape public policy.  Public policy: all of the goals government sets & the actions it takes to realize goals.  Interest groups exist to shape public policy. Chapter 9, Section 1

Political Party & Interest Group Differences Nominations  Parties responsible for nominating process; IGs hope to influence nominations. Primary Focus  Parties interested in winning elections & controlling government; IGs interested in influencing government. Scope of Interest  Parties concerned with all public affairs; IGs focus on issues concerning members. Chapter 9, Section 1

Valuable Functions of Interest Groups  IGs raise awareness of public affairs : issues concerning people.  IGs represent people sharing attitudes rather than geography.  IGs provide information to govt. agencies & legislators.  IGs are vehicles for political participation.  IGs keep tabs on public agencies & officials.  IGs compete. Chapter 9, Section 1

Criticisms  Some have influence out of proportion to size/importance.  Can be difficult to tell who/how many ppl served.  Don’t always represent ppl they claim to speak for.  Sometimes use bribery, threats, etc. Chapter 9, Section 1

Chapter 9, Section 2 * Reasons for Interest Groups  Most founded on basis of economic interest, esp. business, labor, agricultural, & professional interests.  Some grounded in geographic area.  Some based on cause or idea, like environmentalism.  Some promote welfare of groups of people, like retired citizens.  Some run by religious organizations.

Public-Interest Groups A public-interest group seeks to institute public policies that benefit all/most people in country, whether belonging to organization or not. Chapter 9, Section 2

Influencing Public Opinion Interest groups reach out to public: 1. To supply information to support group’s interests 2. To build positive image for group 3. To promote particular policy Chapter 9, Section 3

Propaganda  Propaganda: technique of persuasion to influence individuals/groups.  To create belief which may be true or false.  Propaganda disregards info. that doesn’t support its conclusion. It presents only one side of an issue.  Propaganda often uses name-calling & inflammatory labels. Chapter 9, Section 3

Influencing Parties and Elections  Political Action Committees (PACs) raise and distribute money to candidates who will further their goals. Chapter 9, Section 3

Lobbying  Lobbying: a group pressures legislators & influences legislative process.  Lobbying affects legislature, government agencies, executive branch, & even courts.  Most important IGs have lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Chapter 9, Section 3

Lobbyists at Work Lobbyists:  Send articles, reports, other info. to officeholders.  Testify before legislative committees.  Bring “grass-roots” pressures through , letters, phone calls from constituents.  Rate candidates & publicize the ratings.  Make campaign contributions. Chapter 9, Section 3