Interest Groups Chapter 9 (pgs 235-257)
What are interest groups? Definition: Groups of citizens who share similar ideas about a specific area of public policy. The citizens combine as an interest group to influence public policy so it fits their ideas.
What do interest groups do? GOAL: Try to influence public policy (laws made by government) They don’t run candidates for political offices They are seen as “experts” on a key topic
Video: What are interest groups? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeBuhIQdYk
What is public policy? http://www.civiced.org/pc-program/instructional-component/public-policy
Types of Interest Groups Two main categories: Institutional Interests- represent organizations Large corporations and public interests Membership Interests- Americans join and pay dues Social, business, professional, charitable and religious
Types of Interest Groups Type of Group What Group Does Examples of Groups Business Groups Promote and protect the interests of businesses Labor Groups Groups of workers who share the same type of job or work in same industry Agriculture Groups Groups of farmers who influence government’s agriculture policies Professional Groups Groups professionals in occupations that require extensive and specialized training Promote Causes Groups dedicated to one specific topic Promote Welfare of Certain Groups Groups that promote the interests of a small group of society Religious Groups Promotes interests of people sharing certain religious beliefs
Types of Interest Groups Type of Group What Group Does Examples of Groups Business Groups Promote and protect the interests of businesses National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Labor Groups Groups of workers who share the same type of job or work in same industry United Auto Workers Association Agriculture Groups Groups of farmers who influence government’s agriculture policies Farm Bureau, National Farmers Union Professional Groups Groups professionals in occupations that require extensive and specialized training American Medical Assoc., American Bar Assoc., National Education Assoc. Promote Causes Groups dedicated to one specific topic National Wildlife Federation, American Civil Liberties Union Promote Welfare of Certain Groups Groups that promote the interests of a small group of society American Assoc. of Retired Persons (AARP), Veterans of Foreign Wars Religious Groups Promotes interests of people sharing a certain religious belief National Catholic Welfare Council, American Jewish Congress
How do interest groups influence policy? Lobbying - Shares information with public and ask them to contact their Congressional representatives - Meet directly with Congressional representatives - Works well when the issues effects a large number of people (war veterans) Protest - Organize protest movements and rallys - Civil Rights, Healthcare, Gay Marriage, Abortion, War Litigation - Take the issue to the courts - Help finance cases to the Supreme Court (NAACP and Brown v. Board) - ACLU, NRA, NOW Political Campaigns - Support and fund political campaigns and candidates who share political views with interest group - $$$
Where do interest groups get POWER? 1st Amendment!! Free speech Free press Protest Petition Religion
Political Cartoon What does this political cartoon communi-cate about interest groups?
Political Cartoon Political candidates need the $$$ from interest groups to fund their campaigns $$ is the key to success and survival of interest groups
Contributions to Interest Groups
Interest Groups v. Political Parties Interest groups are increasing in power while…political parties are decreasing in power. Use pages 237-38 to complete the chart comparing and contrasting interest groups and political parties.