Chapter 11 – Graphic Organizers related to Interest Groups

Reasons why Interest Groups Exist in the U.S. More Cleavages exist in society The American Constitutional System allows more access to government (How?) The Existence of Non Profit Groups (why do they exist more in the United States) The Weakness of Political Parties 501 (c)

Four Factors that have caused Interest Groups to increase Broad Economic Developments How policy and laws create interest groups Young Enthusiastic college educated people organize and unite people for a cause Government Laws

Types of Interest Groups Institutional Interests Ideological Interests (membership organizations) Public-interest Interest Groups Types of Incentives for those who join interest groups Solidary incentives Purposive incentives Material incentives

Where Interest Groups Get Their Money Foundation Grants Federal Grants and Contracts Direct Mail

Limitations of Interest Groups Campaign Finance Reform Law (1973) Lobbying Disclosure Act (1995) Many interests on different sides of an issue What Interest Groups do Provide Information Mobilize letter campaigns to legislators Organize demonstrations File suit in a federal court to block or create government actions

Advantages of Interest Groups Many opinions combined in one organization is stronger than one opinion What Interest Groups do Staff of Interest Groups can promote a policy that their members do not agree with Make people interested in public affairs Get People involved in public affairs Check and Balance each other Interest Groups can use unethical tactics Claim they represent more people than they really do (difficult to tell how many people exist in a group) Interest Groups powers are disproportionate to their size