1. Interest Groups American Democracy in Action

2. Characteristics Organization with a structure that provides for leadership & guidelines Members share certain ideas or have a similar perspective that unites them in a common cause Seeks to influence public policy by lobbying for change by affecting the actions of government

3. Group Effectiveness Size of organization(AARP) American Association of Retired Persons Geographic distribution (AAA) American Automobile Association Cohesion (AFL - CIO) American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations Intensity (NARAL - Pro-choice) Nation Abortion Reproductive Rights Action League

4. Economic Interest Groups Goal is to influence government economic policy Chamber of Commerce of the United States National Education Association United Farm Workers of America American Medical Association AFL – CIO ABA AFBF

5. Social Action Groups Attempt to bring change or reform society Most commonly involved in changing laws that marginalize a particular group National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

6. Social Action Groups League of United Latin American Citizens(LULAC) National Congress of American Indians National Conference of Catholic Bishops(NCCB) Southern Law Poverty Center American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

7. Social Action Groups Rainbow Push Coalition American Foundation for AIDS Research (am fAR) Catholic League American Association of Retired Persons(AARP) Ducks Unlimited

8. Social Action Groups National Audubon Society Sierra Club Amnesty International National Organization of Women (NOW) League of Women Voters

9. Single Issue Groups Focus primarily on one issue Veterans of Foreign Wars Planned Parenthood NARAL Pro-Choice America Center for Responsive Politics National Coalition of the Homeless Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

10. Single Issue Groups National Rifle Association (NRA) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) American Automobile Association (AAA) The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence National Right to Life Committee

11. Lobbying Efforts to influence legislation or other government decisions through personal persuasion Represent interest groups and corporations Supply info to policy makers Provide incentives for policy makers

12. Non-lobbying Techniques Grassroots campaign Litigation Class action suit Amicus curiae “friend of the court” Initiative “petition” Referendum