27J: Recognize the importance and influence of special interest groups and lobbyists on the legislative process, understanding the purpose and function of lobbyists and interest groups, the way they achieve their goals, and the laws that govern them. By: Lauren Kwak and Ashley Kennedy

The Role of Interest Groups  Seek to influence the making and content of public policy  The first amendment guarantees the right to assemble

 Interest groups are made up of people who unite for some political purpose.

Difference between political parties and interest groups:  Interest groups do not nominate candidates for public office.

 Interest groups are primarily concerned with controlling or influencing the policies of government while political parties are interested in winning elections and controlling the government.

 Interest groups concentrate on the issues that most directly affect its members while political parties concentrate on a wide range of public affairs.

 Interest groups are private organizations while political parties are accountable to the public.

The Valuable Functions of Interest groups:  They help stimulate interest in public affairs.  They represent their members based on shared attitudes rather than geography.

 They provide useful, specialized, and detailed information to the government.  They are means through which like-minded citizens can take action.

 They keep track of the work of various public agencies and officials in order to make sure they perform their tasks in responsible and effective ways.

 Since the interest groups compete with one another, there is a limit on the lengths to which some groups might otherwise go to seek their interests.

Criticisms of Interest Groups:  Interest groups are very demanding.  The size of the interest groups is indirectly proportional with the influence they have on society.

 Some interest groups have titles that falsely suggest that they consist of a large number of people.  Many groups do not represent the views of the people they claim to be representing.

 Often, these groups will use tactics such as bribery or threats of revenge to achieve their goal.

Types of Interest Groups Business Groups:  The two best known business organizations are the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States.

 NAM represents 14,000 firms. It speaks for “big business” and public affairs.  The Chamber of Commerce is a major voice for the nation’s thousands of small businesses and individuals.

McCain: That's It for Comments on Female Lobbyist

Trade Associations  Within the business community, there are hundreds of trade associations:  For example, American Bankers Association, National Restaurant Association, etc.

 Although Business Groups have common interests, they often disagree and quarrel among themselves.

Labor Groups  A labor group is an organization of workers who share the same type of job or work in the same industry.  16 Million Americans belong to labor unions

 The largest labor union is the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)  There are 13 Million Members  Labor unions speak with one voice on social welfare and job related matters.

Agricultural Groups  Includes several broad based farm groups  The American Farm Bureau is the largest and most effective farm group with over 5 million members. It favors the free market economy and opposes government regulations.

Professional Groups  Include occupations that require extensive and specialized training.  3 major groups: The American Medical Association (physicians), The American Bar Association (lawyers), and the National Education Association teachers).

Public Interest Groups  Seeks to institute certain public policies to benefit most people in the U.S whether or not they support the organization.  Focus on roles that all Americans share

Influencing Public Opinion  Supply public with information that an organization thinks the people should have.  To build a positive image for the group.  To promote a particular public policy.

An example of a lobbyist win

Propaganda  It is the technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors.

 The more controversial or less popular a group’s position is, the more necessary the group’s propaganda campaign becomes.

Influencing Parties and Elections  Interest groups try to influence the behavior of political parties by securing the support of both parties and/or urging their members to become active in party affairs

Example of lobbyist website

Lobbying  It is activities by which group pressures are brought to bear on legislators, the legislative process, and all aspects of the public-policy- making process.

 Lobbyists try to persuade legislators to share their points of view.  Their effectiveness depends on how well they know governmental procedures and how experienced they are in being politely persuasive.

 Lobbyists try to maintain a good image to keep their credibility in good standing.