1. MORE INTERESTING GROUPS!

2. Create an Interest Group!  Today you will be creating interest groups!  3 stages!  1. Deciding on an issue your group will tackle.  2. Create a related interest group that provides a service  3. Attempt to get legislative action for your group/issue.

3. Stage 1  Decide what issue your group will tackle.  Think broad, such as consumer protection  Is your interest group based on a social issue, ideological, business, public interest?  What is the purpose of your group?  How will you get members to join your group?  How will you get money to run your organization?

4. Stage 2  Create a service-oriented organization for your interest group.  If you work for charity, you could potentially receive government funds.  What will the name of your organization be?

5. Stage 3  1. Create a slogan for your group  2. Create two key phrases that arouse the attention or create urgency for your audience  Creating fear, maybe demonize a political figure  3. Get famous people who lean right or left to support your cause  4. Gain the attention of a branch of government, how will you do this?

6. Conclusion  Is it difficult creating an interest group?  What does this say about how interest groups affect the government.  Do these groups accurately represent the will of the people? Why or why not?  Can the average citizen create an effective interest group?

7. Single-Issue groups  Single-Issue Groups: groups that have a narrow interest, tend to dislike compromise.  Attract groups new to politics.  Anti-Vietnam activists, abortion, gun rights  The most emotionally single-issue group is those for abortion.  Have been known to block the entrance to clinics.  (1989)Webster v. Reproductive Health Services allowed states greater freedom to restrict abortions

8. Lobbying  What is lobbying?  How lobbyists help Congressman.  They are an important source of information. Congressman rely on lobbyists for specific policy information  They can help politicians with strategy for passing legislation.  Can help develop campaign strategies. Labor Union leaders telling politicians how to appeal to their members  They are a source of ideas and innovation Can pass off ideas to law-makers

9. Gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse  Lobbyists can work with candidates in a friendly manner or threaten.  Inform candidates they will fund the opposition in a campaign.  Some argue lobbying's purpose is not meant to change minds, but reinforce allies.  Lobbying works mainly on people that side with the groups goals before they’re approached.

10. Electioneering  Electioneering: Direct group involvement in the electoral process such as campaign funding.  PAC  Many lobbyist groups use electioneering to ensure politicians sympathetic with their cause win elections.  PAC money helps to ensure candidates victories  Usually ask candidates to take a questionnaire to see where their values align.