1. 7th Grade Civics Miss Smith *pgs. 278-281
Interest Groups
7th Grade Civics
Miss Smith
*pgs

2. What is an Interest Group
Interest groups- organizations of people with a common interest that try to influence government policies and decisions
Not the same as a political party, but seeks to influence the gov.
More concerned with public policies

3. Types of Interest Groups
Business associations
Labor unions
Farm organizations
Teacher’s associations
Consumer groups
Some groups are economically focused, some are issue-oriented, some promote the issues of the public

4. Lobbyists Influence Government
Lobbyists present their arguments to Congress. After listening to all sides of an issue, Congress makes its decision

5. Lobbyists Work with Congress
They argue for bills they support and against bills they oppose
Ask members of Congress to sponsor bills
May help write bills
Gov. officials often pick the brains of lobbyists to find out what issues are affecting certain interest groups

6. Lobbyists Influence Public Opinion
Place advertisements to support their positions
Promise to help gov. officials in their election campaigns
Urge citizens to send letters/ s to gov. officials
All in hopes that public support will influence lawmakers’ decisions

7. Interest Groups and Power
Lobbyists must register:
Indicate whom they work for and how much money they spend on their lobbying efforts
Some people think that only the interest groups with a lot of money or power are listened to
This means groups representing the disadvantaged are often ignored