1. AP Gov Review Video #16: Interest Groups - The Range Of Interests Represented

2. Interests Groups What are they?
A group that seeks to influence public policy
If there is a public policy, chances are there are interest groups for it
4 types of interest groups
Economic
Environmental
Equality
Consumer
How do interest groups affect policy?
Lobbying and PACs

3. Theories of Interest Groups
Pluralism:
Believe that many groups are beneficial - no one group can dominate
Elitism:
Argue most interest groups are not important, most power resides with few groups
Hyperpluralism:
Argue that interest groups hold too much power - government tries to please all the groups

4. Economic Interest Groups
Labor Interests (2nd largest interest group):
Unions favor the union shop - requires employees to join a union once they are hired
Businesses favor right-to-work laws - do NOT require union membership in order to work
In the past, unions have played a role in the passage of laws
Safety laws after the Triangle Shirt-waist Factory Fire
Since the 1950s, union membership has declined -> outsourcing to other countries
Many workers do not feel unions are beneficial

5. Economic Interest Groups
Business Interests:
The number of Political Action Committees (PACs) for businesses has grown significantly in recent years
Business interests sometimes conflict:
Railroad interests want fewer highways and more railroads - trucking interests want more highways and fewer railroads
More international trade is good for some businesses, hurts others

6. Environmental Interest Groups
Earth Day - April 22, 1970:
Led to the creation of many environmental interest groups
These groups hope to see policies that:
Control pollution
Limit/reverse global warming
Oppose oil drilling and the building of nuclear plants
Since 1977, there have been no new nuclear power plants approved

7. Equality Interest Groups
2 major equality groups - NAACP and NOW
NAACP - founded by W.E.B. DuBois and others
Represented the Brown family and others in Brown v. Board - reversed segregation in schools
NOW - first president was Betty Friedan
Seek to end discrimination against women
Advocated the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment

8. Consumer Interest Groups
Consumer Interest Groups can help EVERYONE benefit, not just members of the group
Consumer safety benefits everyone in America, not just members of the group
Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Created in regulate consumer products and could ban products
Unsafe at Any Speed - Ralph Nader - exposed the dangers of cars manufactured by General Motors

9. How Do Interest Groups Influence Policy?
Lobby federal agencies and Congress
File lawsuits (Think Brown v. Board)
Testify before Congress
Use Issue advocacy ads

10. Test Tips Multiple-Choice: Theories of interest groups
Ways interest groups influence policy
Achievements by NAACP and NOW
Free Response Questions:
Techniques used by interest groups to influence elections

11. See You Back Here For Video #17 - Iron Triangles
Thanks For Watching
Best of luck in May!