1. Political Parties and Interest Groups
AP U.S. Government and Politics
Unit 3

2. Interest Groups

3. Do pressure groups add to democracy?
What is an interest (pressure) group? Why are they necessary in a democratic society?
How are they different from political parties?
What are some of the positive ways interest groups influence the political system?
What are some of the negative ways interest groups influence the political system?
Your questions about the article?

4. Democratic Party civil liberties (ACLU) black civil rights (NAACP)
women’s rights (NOW)
pro-choice (NARAL)
labor unions (AFL-CIO)
teachers’ unions (NEA)
environmental groups (Sierra Club)
government employees (AFSCME)
gay rights (GLAAD)

5. Labor Groups and Unions

6. Professional Organizations

7. Agricultural Organizations

8. Causes

9. Group Welfare

10. Religious Groups

11. Public-Interest Groups

12. Fortune’s 25 Most Powerful Interest Groups (2001)
1. National Rifle Association (NRA) 2. American Association of Retired People (AARP) 3. National Federation of Independent Business 4. American Israel Public Affairs Committee 5. Association of Trial Lawyers of America 6. AFL-CIO 7. Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America 8. National Beer Wholesalers of 9. National Association of Realtors 10. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) 11. National Association of Homebuilders of the United States
12. American Medical Association (AMA) 13. American Hospital Association 14. National Education Association of the United States (NEA) 15. American Farm Bureau Federation 16. Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) 17. National Association of Broadcasters 18. National Right to Life Committee 19. Health Insurance Association of America 20. National Restaurant Association 21. National Governors' Association 22. Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) 23. American Bankers Association 24. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America 25. International Brotherhood of Teamsters

13. Informing the Public

14. Creating a Positive Image

15. Promoting a Particular Policy

16. Grassroots Efforts

17. Shaping Public Opinion

18. Litigation

20. Endorsing Candidates

21. Congressional Ratings

22. Activities of Interest Groups
What factors go into determining which activity(ies) an interest group might pursue?
Why would a group focus on informing the public? And why would one not?
Why would a group use outside lobbying? Inside lobbying? And why would one not?
Why would a group use litigation? And why would one not?
Why would a group campaign for or donate to a candidate or party? And why would one not?

23. “Iron Triangle” Committee on Veterans Affairs American Legion
Department of Veterans Affairs

24. “Revolving Door”