Time to Learn about Interest Groups

What is an Interest Group? A private organization that tries to persuade public officials Also called: Pressure Groups Special Interest Groups Organized Interests Lobbies Committees, Clubs, Associations, Leagues, Federations

Facts About Interest Groups Constitution Purpose? Where? Lord Bryce Wherever policies are made Capitol Hill D.C. All 50 States City Halls ALL levels of government Right of the people peaceably to assemble To petition the Government Seek to influence public policy LAWS “Where the body is, there will the vultures be gathered.”

Historical Thoughts James Madison “a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.” The Federalist No. 10 A society could only eliminate [interest groups] by eliminating freedom.

Historical Thoughts Alexis de Tocqueville “Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions, constantly form associations…not only commercial and manufacturing…but...of a thousand other kinds – religious, moral, serious, futile, extensive or restricted, enormous or diminutive.”

Functions of IGs 1 2 3 Raise awareness of public affairs (issues and events that concern the people) Represent their members based on issues rather than where someone lives Provide useful, specialized & detailed information to the government 4 5 6 Vehicle for political participation – one person can’t do much but many people can Add to the Checks & Balances system by keeping tabs on many agencies & officials Competition between groups (which J.M. said would balance and counteract each)

Criticisms of IGs Problem??? The more $ they have the more power they have Do they really represent the views of all members How many people are really represented Some use scare tactics & bribes

“Everything from A to Z” American Association of Advertising Agencies American Association of Retired Persons Association on American Indian Affairs Amateur Athletic Union of the United States Zionist Organization of America American Zoo and Aquarium Association

Economic Interest Business Groups – promote business interests ie American Truckers Association, National Restaurant Association 2. Labor Groups – Labor Unions ie AFL-CIO, Fraternal Order of Police, Retail Clerks International Union 3. Agricultural Groups – farmer influence on gov’t ie American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, National Grange 4. Professional Groups – protect & promote interests ie American Medical Association, National Education Association, American Bar Association

Other Types of IGs Specific Cause Promote Welfare of Certain Groups ACLU – promotes civil liberties National Wildlife Federation Planned Parenthood Promote Welfare of Certain Groups American Association of Retired Persons NAACP Japanese American Citizens League

Other Types of IGs Religious Organizations National Council of Churches American Jewish Congress National Catholic Welfare Council Public Interest Groups – benefit all even if they don’t belong to the group League of Women Voters Common Cause MADD

How do they do it? Propaganda Influence Parties Lobbying Technique of persuasion to influence a group, even if it’s false information Name Calling Card-Stacking Glitterizing Bandwagon Plain-Folk Keep close “tabs” on Party members, help their campaigns by advertising for them, PAC (Political Action Committee) gives money to candidates Pressure law makers to support their cause in D.C. and State capitals

Lobbying “Polite Persuasion” Lobbyist know the legislative process Send info to Congressmen that advocate their cause May testify in legislative hearings Rate Congressmen based on how they vote Help write speeches & bills