Chapter 18, Section I Page 503

 A group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government

 “In no country of the world has the principle of association been more successfully used, or applied to a greater multitude of objects, than in America….In the United States associations are established to promote the public safety, commerce, industry, morality, and religion” – Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835

 Defining Interest Groups  Interest groups support candidates who favor their ideas  Interest groups are concerned with only a few issues or specific problems  They do not try to gain the support of members with different points of view  Organized on the basis of common values  Not geographical areas

 Purpose of Interest Groups  Bridging the gap between citizens and the government  Citizens communicate their “wants” or policy goals through interest groups

 Political Power  Strength in numbers  “Local Safety Association”  Interest Groups on the state and national level exert influence far beyond the power of individual members

 Leaders keep members informed of group activity through newsletters, mailings, and telephone calls  They act as speakers for the group  They plan strategy, raise money, and make financial decisions

 A group may help promote and individual’s economic self-interest  An individuals beliefs, values, or attitudes  Nonpolitical, perhaps social function

 People with lower socioeconomic levels are less likely to join such groups  Membership tends to come from upper income levels

 Most common and effective  Business-Related Interest Groups  Among oldest and largest in the nation  NAM works to lower individual and corporate tax  Labor-Related Interest Groups  AFL-CIO (largest)  UAW, UMW, Teamsters

 Represent almost 6 million farmers  Amer. Farm Bureau Federation  Large farms  National Farmers Union  Smaller farmers – favor price supports  Commodity Associations  Dairy, potato growers, etc.

 Professional Associations  ABA, AMA  Environmental Interest  National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club  Public-Interest Groups  Work towards the interest of ALL Americans  Interest Groups in Government  National Governors Association