1. Chapter 9 Interest Groups

2. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
Objectives:
Describe the role of interest groups in influencing public policy.
Compare and contrast political parties and interest groups.
Explain why people see interest groups as both good and bad for American politics.

3. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
Why It Matters:
Aware of it or not, you almost certainly belong to at least one interest group today. And, knowingly or not, you will join several more of these groups over coming years.

4. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
Political Dictionary:
Public Policy
Public Affairs

5. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
The Role of Interest Groups
Pressure groups, special interest, organized interest. . .etc.
Leagues, clubs, federations, unions, committees, associations, etc.
Lord Byron: “Where the body is, there will the vultures be gathered.”

6. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Parties nominate candidates, interest groups do not
Parties are interested in winning elections, interest groups in issues or policy.
Parties have wide interests, interest groups narrow

7. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
Interest Groups: Good or Bad?
Two Early Views
James Madison warned against “factions”
Alexis de Tocqueville—saw them as good

8. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
Valuable Functions of Interest Groups
Stimulate interest in public affairs
Represent shared interests and not geography
Provide useful information
Vehicles for political participation
Provide checks and balances
Competing interests limit excesses in government policy

9. Section 1—The Nature of Interest Groups
Criticisms
Influence beyond their size
Disguise for who they really represent
Often dominated by a vocal minority
Shady tactics—bribery, threats, etc.

10. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Objectives:
Explain how the American tradition of joining organizations has resulted in a wide range of interest groups.
Describe four categories of groups based on economic interests.
Outline the reasons why other interest groups have been created.
Identify the purpose of public-interest groups.

11. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Why It Matters:
America is “a nation of joiners”—including joiners of interest groups. Some of these groups are based on economic interests, some on other issues. Some are public-interest groups, which seek to benefit Americans.

12. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Political Dictionary:
Trade Association
Labor Union
Public-Interest Group

13. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
An American Tradition
Old-new
Big-small
Structured-open
Wealthy-poor
Cause or idea
Most are economic
We belong to “many” groups

14. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Groups Based on Economic Interests
Business Groups
NAM
Chamber of Commerce
Business Roundtable
Trade Associations

15. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Groups Based on Economic Interests (cont).
Labor Unions
AFL-CIO
Truckers
Police, Firemen, etc.
Public Unions

16. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Groups Based on Economic Interests (cont.)
Agricultural Groups
National Grange
American Farm Bureau
National Farmers Union
Professional Groups
American Medical Association
National Education Association
American Bar Association
Many others. . .

17. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Other Interest Groups
Groups That Promote Causes
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
National Women’s Caucus
Audubon Society
Many others . . .

18. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Other Interest Groups (cont.)
Organizations That Promote the Welfare of Certain Groups
American Legion/VFW
AARP
NAACP
Many others . . .

19. Section 2—Types of Interest Groups
Other Interest Groups (cont.)
Religious Organizations
National Council of Churches
American Jewish Congress
Many others . . .
Public-Interest Groups
League of Women Voters, Common Cause, Ralph Nader’s Group

20. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Objectives:
Explain interest groups’ three major goals in influencing public opinion.
Describe how interest groups use propaganda to persuade people to their point of view.
Analyze how interest groups try to influence political parties and elections.
Examine how lobbying brings group pressures to bear on the process of making public policy.

21. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Why It Matters:
Flip through a newspaper or surf television or the Internet and you will no doubt see examples of interest groups at work—that is, using propaganda aimed at influencing public attitudes. Interest groups also work through political action committees and lobbyists to influence political parties and public policy.

22. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Political Dictionary:
Propaganda
Single-interest group
Lobbying
Grass roots

23. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Influencing Public Opinion
To supply needed information about a topic or cause
To build a positive image for the group
To promote a particular policy

24. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Propaganda
Its goal is to create a particular belief—it may be true or false
Begins with a conclusion—not objective
Glittering generalities
Testimonials

25. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Influencing Parties and Elections
Candidate support or denial of support
PACS—single-interest groups
Lobbying
20,000 in Washington
From ALL sectors of society

26. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Lobbying (cont.)
Lobbyists at Work
Legislative counsel
Many former representatives
Provide information
Stimulate grass-roots pressure
Rate the representatives
Campaign contributions
Never give up . . .

27. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work
Lobbying (cont.)
Lobby Regulation
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
Registration
“Principal Purpose”

28. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work

29. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work

30. Section 3—Interest Groups at Work