Presentation Pro © 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. Magruder’s American Government C H A P T E R 9 Interest Groups

123 Go To Section: What are Interest Groups Chapter 9, Section Interest groups are private organizations whose members share certain views and work to shape public policy. Public policy includes all of the goals a government sets and the various courses of action it pursues as it attempts to realize these goals. Interest groups exist to shape public policy.

123 Go To Section: Political Parties vs. Interest Groups Chapter 9, Section Political parties and interest groups differ in three striking respects: (1) in the making of nominations, (2) in their primary focus, and (3) in the scope of their interests. Nominations Political parties - responsible for the nominating process Interest groups - hope to influence those nominations Primary Focus Political parties - interested in winning elections and controlling government Interest groups - interested in influencing the policies created by government Scope of Interest Political parties - concern themselves with the whole range of public affairs Interest groups - tend to focus on issues that their members are concerned about.

123 Go To Section: What Interest Groups Do Chapter 9, Section Interest groups raise awareness of public affairs, or issues that concern the people at large represent people who share attitudes rather than those who share geography provide specialized information to government agencies and legislators are vehicles for political participation Interest groups keep tabs on various public agencies and officials compete

123 Go To Section: Chapter 9, Section Types of Interest Groups Most interest groups have been founded on the basis of Economic interest involving: Business Labor Agricultural Professional Some are based on: Geographic area A cause or idea (ex = environmental protection) The welfare of certain groups of people, such as retired citizens Religion

123 Go To Section: Types of Interest Groups Chapter 9, Section A public-interest group is an interest group that seeks to institute certain public policies that will benefit all or most of the people in the country, whether or not they belong to that organization.

123 Go To Section: How Interest Groups Work Chapter 9, Section Influencing Public Opinion Interest groups reach out to the public for the following reasons: To supply information in support of the group’s interests To build a positive image for the group To promote a particular public policy Propaganda is often use to achieve the above

123 Go To Section: How Interest Groups Work Chapter 9, Section Influencing Parties and Elections Political Action Committees (PACs) raise and distribute money to candidates who will further their goals.

123 Go To Section: How Interest Groups Work Lobbying Lobbying is any activity by which a group pressures legislators and influences the legislative process carries beyond the legislature into government agencies, the executive branch, and even the courts. Lobbyist use several techniques - some include: Sending articles, reports, and other information to officeholders. Testifying before legislative committees. Chapter 9, Section