Interest Groups and Public Opinion Local, State, and National Government

Interest Groups An interest group is a group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government. These groups spend a great deal of money and put a lot of effort into persuading government officials to support bills or policies the group feels will be beneficial.

Interest Groups are NOT Political Parties ...They do not nominate candidates. …Only concerned with a few specific issues and do not try to gain members with different opinions. …Organized on the basis of common values rather than on geographic location. Discussion preparing interest groups to political parties. Look at “Pleading for Parks” at the bottom of page 504. Read the short segment and ask students to respond verbally to the question put forth.

Why belong to an Interest Group? Economic self-interest Beliefs, values, and attitudes Social reasons ***Most who join tend to be from upper income levels. The group might promote an individual’s economic self-interest. For example, labor unions work to secure better wages and benefits for their members. Another example—American Association of Retired Persons (a senior citizen group) works for higher Social Security benefits. Example—the Sierra Club members work to conserve natural resources and protect the environment. Members have strong beliefs about the value of maintaining our environment. Example—a person who joins a farm organization may simple enjoy the company of other farmers.

Types of Interest Groups Business and Labor (NAM and AFL-CIO) Agricultural groups represent farmers. (Grange) Professional Associations Environmental groups Public Interest groups Business and Labor—many interest groups are concerned with economic issues such as taxes, food prices, housing, inflation, unemployment, and so on. (Examples=National Association of Manufacturers and AFL-CIO) Agricultural groups represent the interests of Farmers (Ex=the Grange) Professional Associations—include members of a particular profession; might set standards, influence training processes, and also influence govt policy on issues important to them Sierra club and other groups concerned with protection of wildlife and natural resources as well as the environment. Public Interest groups—believe they work to accomplish policy in the best interests of all Americans; example=Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen Inc. devotes itself to consumer and public safety issues affecting the general population

Major Special Interest Groups National Association for the Advancement of Colored People http://www.naacp.org American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organization http://www.aflcio.org American Medical Association http://www.ama-assn.org/ National Education Association http://www.nea.org/ National Association for the Advancement of Colored People http://www.naacp.org American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organization http://www.aflcio.org American Medical Association http://www.ama-assn.org/ National Education Association http://www.nea.org/

Purpose and Methods of Interest Groups Provide Americans with additional Representation Seek to Inform the Public and Officials of Issues Letter Writing Campaigns Media Campaigns

Checking for Understanding How are interest groups different from political parties? What methods do interest groups use to influence public policy? Why are interest groups more effective in influencing the government than are individual citizens?

Lobbying/Lobbyist Lobbying is the process of making direct contact with government leaders in attempt to influence policy. Lobbyists are the representatives of interest groups who conduct such work.

Political Action Committees (PACs) Another vehicle for interest groups to influence government is through PACs. Organizations specifically designed to collect money and provide financial support for a political candidate. Pros and Cons? ***Look at the Political Cartoon on page 511 “The Power of Money”

Mass Media Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, recordings, movies, and books AKA—”The Fourth Branch of Government” Strategic methods in influencing public opinion—the ideas and attitudes a significant number of Americans hold about government and political issues

Media in Political Campaigns Candidates use the media to creatively persuade people’s opinions of themselves and opponents Ads costs lots of $ Candidates spend lots of time raising money to fund the expensive ads

How much of an influence do you think the media really has over people’s decisions? Can you think of any examples from your daily life when the media had an effect on something you did?

Ideology and Public Opinion Political Ideology effects how an individual approaches issues in public policy. Liberal—believes gov’t should actively promote health, education, and justice Conservative—believes in limiting the role of gov’t except in supporting traditional moral values Moderates—fall somewhere in the middle

Measuring Public Opinion Political Party membership Participation in Interest Groups Responses to Mass Media Letter Writing Volume Electronic Access ***Scientific Polling*** How many people belong to the particular parties/major shifts in party affiliation indicate how people feel about the parties and their policies. Membership in terms of #’s in interest groups give indication of public opinion How people responds to, for example, certain issues covered in the media will determine the coverage designated. #’s of letters written to public officials indicate how the public feels on certain issues Volume of e-mail/faxes received

Conclusion Why do we care about interest groups and public opinion? Because research shows that the government is indeed responsive to the desires of the public. Interest groups, political parties, mass media and the public opinion all weigh heavily on government officials when designing public policy.