1. Media & interest groups

2. Mass media: types
Print Media: books, newspapers, magazines, newsletters
Electronic Media: radio, television, internet
Social Media is not technically classified as mass media because it is interactive instead of just being something people read or view.

3. Public agenda
The topics that get the most time and effort from the government are called the Public Agenda.
Media can influence what becomes part of the public agenda by bringing attention to it. When the news talks about an issue, the public becomes more interested and demands action from the government.

4. Leaks & watchdog role
Sometimes, politicians tell reporters secret information. This is called leaking.
Why?
To test how the public will react to a new law
To get on the reporter’s good side
Journalists want to expose government corruption whenever possible because this means a lot of people will read or watch their report. $$$!
Media serves as a watchdog preventing and exposing corruption. This benefits both the media and the general public.

5. Interest groups
Economic interest groups help certain businesses or groups of workers
AFL-CIO: American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
This is a big group of labor unions that help workers in certain industries.
Tobacco Institute: Helps cigarette companies
Public Interest Groups help Americans in general and are nonpartisan
League of Women Voters: educates the public about candidates and issues, aims to simplify voting laws and procedures
BBB: Better Business Bureau
Helps keep businesses behaving ethically to protect consumers

6. Demographic interest groups
Help specific groups of citizens
NAACP: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
improves the lives of African-Americans
AARP: American Association of Retired Persons
Helps senior citizens
NOW: National Organization for Women
Fights for gender equality

7. Single issue interest groups
Focus on one topic. Those regarding controversial issues often have counterparts on the opposite side.
NRA: National Rifle Association
Promotes 2nd Amendment rights
NCBH: National Coalition to Ban Handguns
NARAL: National Abortion Rights Action League
NRLC: National Right to Life Committee – against abortion rights
MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (no opposing group---not controversial)

8. How do interest groups influence laws?
Hire lobbyists – people who represent the interest group when talking to lawmakers
This name started in the early 1800s because they would wait in the lobby of Congress to ask congressmen for favors.
Know a lot about how government works and are good at being persuasive
Provide information to lawmakers and sometimes even write versions of bills for them to consider. They also may testify in Congress about their issue.
Create PACs – The money raised through PACs helps them fund campaigns for candidates who support their cause.

9. Influencing laws (cont.)
Sue the government to change or enforce laws
Interest groups may sue over laws that hurt their cause and try to get them overturned.
Once the interest group gets Congress to pass a law, they make sure it is being followed and can sue to make sure it is being properly enforced.
Recruit and inform the public
Interest groups publicize information about their cause to get citizens to demand action from the government. This also helps them get donations! $$$

10. Laws regulating interest groups
Interest Group PACs can only give $10,000 to a candidate’s campaign
$5,000 in the primaries, $5,000 in the general election
Must register with the government
Lobbyists have to disclose who they work for and how much they earn and spend
Government officials have a waiting period before they can become lobbyists
2 years in many states
Prevents them from taking advantage of inside information and work friendships