PLS 121: American Politics and Government American Politics and Government Interest Groups and Political Parties

2 / 12 Review Input functions (5) –Things the system takes from the people –Things the people use in the system Output functions (3) –Things the system gives to the people –Results of the system

3 / 12 Interest Groups – Typology Economic Groups –Business –Agricultural –Labor –Public Employee –Professional

4 / 12 Interest Groups – Typology Environmental Groups –Audubon Society –The Nature Conservancy –The Sierra Club –Greenpeace

5 / 12 Interest Groups – Typology Public-Interest Groups –Mothers Against Drunk Driving –Common Cause –League of Women Voters –ACLU –Oregon State Public Interest Research Group

6 / 12 Interest Groups – Typology Other Groups –National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) –Right to Life –American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) –American – Israeli Political Action Committee (AIPAC) –EMILY’s List

7 / 12 Interest Group Strategies Direct –Lobbying –Legislator Ratings –Campaign Assistance –Amicus Curiae Briefs –Political Action Committees (PACs) 5/50 Rule $5,000 per election per candidate

8 / 12 Interest Group Strategies Indirect –Grassroots Efforts –Media –PACs $5,000 per election per candidate But unlimited spending otherwise Shotgun and Rifle approaches

9 / 12 Interest Groups Functions performed: –

10 / 12 Political Parties Functions performed: –

11 / 12 Questions Are interest groups a positive force in America or a negative one? Does the fact that other countries lobby the American Congress make Congress stronger or weaker? What is the purpose of Congress? What is the difference between political parties and interest groups?