1. Interest Groups & Lobbying
America Government
Unit 2

2. Interest Groups
Interest Group – Groups with common interests that attempt to shape laws that are made.
*Propaganda* - A technique of persuasion used to influence the way people think or feel about an issue.
Types of Interest Groups - Most interest groups are formed on the basis of economic interests.
Business Groups
Labor Groups
Agriculture Groups
Professional Groups

3. Additional Interest Groups
Many interest groups are formed to promote causes or promote the welfare of certain people.
ACLU – American Civil Liberties Union
AARP – American Association of Retired Persons
NAACP – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
NRA – National Rifle Association

4. 5 W’s of Lobbyists
Who – People who are very familiar with gov’t and its procedures, many are former members of Congress (U.S. or State), Lawyers, journalists, or in public relations.
What – They do the work of the interest group with Congress: they talk to them, research, and try to convince members of Congress to vote in favor of their interest group.
When – They work mostly when Congress is in Session.

5. 5 W’s of Lobbyists
Where – The “lobby”, which is the outer room or main corridor or some outer part of the capital building.
Why – They want law-makers (Congress) to pass laws that favor or support their interest groups.
*Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946)
The first law limiting lobbyists; requires that lobbyists register with the clerk of the House or the Secretary of State.

6. There are positive aspects of lobbying
There are positive aspects of lobbying. Lobbyists are usually very knowledgeable on the issue they represent. They can educate members of both the House and the Senate on the issues at hand to better inform legislators.
Lobbyists represent a much wider group of people who share similar interests and act as the spokesperson for those common interests.
Lobbyists can assist legislators in drafting legislation and including accurate, up-to-date information on issues of public policy.
One negative aspect of lobbying is that the special interest groups that have the most money are often the groups that have legislation drafted and passed in their favor.

7. Jack Abramoff: The lobbyist's playbook
Real Lobbyist’s
Jack Abramoff: The lobbyist's playbook

8. Lobbying Exercise
Issue: Congress is considering a bill to raise the legal driving age. The bill has the following requirements:
Must be 18 years old to drive
Can apply for learners permit at 17 years old
Must be in school and have at least a 3.0 GPA
School attendance – can not miss more than 8 days (total)
Must complete a 200 hour Drivers Ed class.

9. Lobbying Exercise You must do the following:
Create an interest group that is either for or against the new driving requirements (Need to come up with a Name for the interest group).
List 3 to 5 tactics that your interest group will use to attempt to persuade legislators to vote the way your interest group wants.
Create a flyer/poster that your interest group would publish to try to gain support for your cause. Must have color.