1. Time to Learn about
Interest Groups

2. What is an Interest Group?
A private organization that tries to persuade public officials
Also called:
Pressure Groups
Special Interest Groups
Organized Interests
Lobbies
Committees, Clubs, Associations, Leagues, Federations

3. Facts About Interest Groups
Constitution
Purpose?
Where?
Lord Bryce
Wherever policies are made
Capitol Hill
D.C.
All 50 States
City Halls
ALL levels of government
Right of the people peaceably to assemble
To petition the Government
Seek to influence public policy
LAWS
“Where the body is, there will the vultures be gathered.”

4. Historical Thoughts James Madison
“a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.”
The Federalist No. 10
A society could only eliminate [interest groups] by eliminating freedom.

5. Historical Thoughts Alexis de Tocqueville
“Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions, constantly form associations…not only commercial and manufacturing…but...of a thousand other kinds – religious, moral, serious, futile, extensive or restricted, enormous or diminutive.”

6. Functions of IGs 1 2 3
Raise awareness of public affairs (issues and events that concern the people)
Represent their members based on issues rather than where someone lives
Provide useful, specialized & detailed information to the government 4 5 6
Vehicle for political participation – one person can’t do much but many people can
Add to the Checks & Balances system by keeping tabs on many agencies & officials
Competition between groups (which J.M. said would balance and counteract each)

7. Criticisms of IGs Problem???
The more $ they have the more power they have
Do they really represent the views of all members
How many people are really represented
Some use scare tactics & bribes

8. “Everything from A to Z”
American Association of Advertising Agencies
American Association of Retired Persons
Association on American Indian Affairs
Amateur Athletic Union of the United States
Zionist Organization of America
American Zoo and Aquarium Association

9. Economic Interest Business Groups – promote business interests
ie American Truckers Association, National
Restaurant Association
2. Labor Groups – Labor Unions
ie AFL-CIO, Fraternal Order of Police, Retail Clerks
International Union
3. Agricultural Groups – farmer influence on gov’t
ie American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat
Institute, National Grange
4. Professional Groups – protect & promote interests
ie American Medical Association, National Education
Association, American Bar Association

10. Other Types of IGs Specific Cause Promote Welfare of Certain Groups
ACLU – promotes civil liberties
National Wildlife Federation
Planned Parenthood
Promote Welfare of Certain Groups
American Association of Retired Persons
NAACP
Japanese American Citizens League

11. Other Types of IGs Religious Organizations
National Council of Churches
American Jewish Congress
National Catholic Welfare Council
Public Interest Groups – benefit all even if they don’t belong to the group
League of Women Voters
Common Cause
MADD

12. How do they do it? Propaganda Influence Parties Lobbying
Technique of persuasion to influence a group, even if it’s false information
Name Calling
Card-Stacking
Glitterizing
Bandwagon
Plain-Folk
Keep close “tabs” on Party members, help their campaigns by advertising for them, PAC (Political Action Committee) gives money to candidates
Pressure law makers to support their cause in D.C. and State capitals

13. Lobbying “Polite Persuasion” Lobbyist know the legislative process
Send info to Congressmen that advocate their cause
May testify in legislative hearings
Rate Congressmen based on how they vote
Help write speeches & bills