Propaganda and Interest Groups

American Civics 11/15/2018 Propaganda Propaganda is ideas spread to influence public opinion, consumers, and voters. Mass media and communications technology enable the spread of propaganda. Concealed propaganda attempts to fool people. Revealed propaganda makes people aware that it is trying to influence them. Chapter 11

Propaganda Techniques To promote their views, interest groups may use propaganda techniques such as: Endorsements Card Stacking The Bandwagon Glittering Generalities Symbols “Just Plain Folks,” Name-Calling

Endorsements

Card Stacking

The Bandwagon

Glittering Generalities

Symbols

“Just Plain Folks”

Name-Calling

Types of Interest Groups Groups based on economic interests are some of the most powerful. The Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest, promotes free enterprise. Others, such as the Tobacco Institute, represent specific types of businesses.

Labor Unions Labor unions work for the economic interests of workers. The largest, the AFL-CIO, is an alliance of labor unions. Professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, have their own interest groups. Norma Rae

Public Interest Groups Public interest groups support causes that affect the lives of Americans in general, rather than just the special interests of their own members. For example, Common Cause promotes laws to control pollution and protect consumers.

Influencing Government Public policy is the course of action the government takes in response to an issue or problem. The primary goal of interest groups is to influence public policy.

Lobbyists Lobbyists are representatives of interest groups who contact government officials directly to influence their policy making. Lobbyists understand how government functions. They know where to go and whom to see. They know how to make friends and talk persuasively.

The Role of Lobbyists For lobbyists, information is an important resource. Lawmakers need information about issues. Lobbyists supply it. They suggest solutions to problems. They sometimes draft bills for lawmakers to consider and testify in hearings on bills. Once laws are enacted, lobbyists help to see that the laws are carried out, enforced, and stand up in court.

Regulation of Interest Groups Laws regulate the activities of interest groups to prevent abuses, such as winning lawmakers’ votes by offering fancy meals and gifts.

The Federal Election Campaign Act & The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act The Federal Election Campaign Act limits the amount PACs may contribute to candidates for national office. The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act requires lobbyists to register and to disclose who hired them, how much they are paid, and how they spend money related to their work.

Criticisms Critics claim that campaign contributions give interest groups improper influence over officeholders. Others point out that membership in interest groups with skilled lobbyists give citizens a way to increase their influence.

contacting public officials American Civics 11/15/2018 Question: What are five ways that citizens can participate in government? How Citizens Can Participate in Government voting speaking out on issues working for a political party contacting public officials volunteering in the community Chapter 11