Chapter 9 Section 2&3 Mr. Gordon

Interest Groups Chapter 9 Section 2 An interest group is an association of people who hold similar views and goals. Interest groups want to influence public opinion and elected officials Political Action Committee (PAC) – an organization established by a corporation or other special interest to raise money from individuals for a political campaign or other political cause Organizing Interest, Encouraging Participation, Supplying Information

Don’t Forget Watch video on Super PACs

Types of Interest Groups Agricultural & Business

Types of Interest Groups Labor & Cause-Based

Types of Interest Groups Societal and Professional Groups

Types of Interest Groups Trade Association – interest group representing a certain industry or part of an industry (Coal) Labor Unions and Professional Groups are alike as both represent workers

How Interest Groups Work Groups support candidates and engage in lobbying. Ways groups try to influence policy can be Endorse – publicly declare support for a candidate Lobbying – contacting public officials to persuade them to support their group or organization

How Interest Groups Work Ways groups try to influence policy can be Informing Public Opinion (grass roots movement) Filing Lawsuits (Brown v. Board of Education)

Interest Groups and the Public Good Benefits of Interest Groups are they give people a voice that may not be heard otherwise Criticisms of Interest Groups are too much power, narrow interests and appeal to peoples emotions rather than finding solutions to problems Limits on Interest groups - Congress passed ethics and lobbying reform legislation and limited influence by lobbyists to lessen their influence

Political Parties Chapter 9 Section 3 Political Party is an organization that helps elect members to public office Political parties are important to the American political system because they are the main way we choose, elect and monitor our representatives

Democrats v. Republicans Democrats (Liberals) – generally support government action to change social, political or economic policies thought to be unfair Republicans (Conservatives) – generally support limited government, lower taxes and traditional social values Moderates are in both parties with middle ground positions

Parties’ Three Main Roles 1) Nomination process – candidates for office 2) Helping the electorate – people who vote learn about the parties positions, learn the issues (this is what the book says), 3) Operating government – make laws, assign positions, foreign policy etc..

Informed Voters – Are you one?

The American Two- Party System One-party system Two-party system Multiparty system

American Political Parties Beginning political structures in the USA Federalist Party – strong central government Democrat-Republican Party – agriculture and ordinary citizens in small communities Third party and independent candidates do not gather much support due to the two party system

Party Organization Each level helps achieve party goals Local focuses on candidates State supports local and national candidates National raises funds for all levels

Political Parties and the Public Good Benefits – keep out extremists views, try to include a broad base and have a “brand name” voters recognize Criticisms – Lack of Unity, Discipline and Loyalty. Actions may benefit certain interests rather than public good.