1. Interest Groups Unit 4: The Electoral Process

2. Historical Background Interest Groups were basically the “factions” (along with Political Parties) that Madison discussed in Federalist #10 Their number and influence has grown since the founding period in response to: Changing Campaign Laws Federalism Government becoming more and more involved in different policy areas

3. The Primary Goal of Interest Groups An interest group is an organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy Organization: Interest Groups are organized. There is a structure with a heirarchy. Common Interest: Interest Groups can have one narrow interest (NRA) or a broader range (Sierra Club). Influence Public Policy: Interest Groups attempt to get the government to pass (or not pass) laws that impact their interests.

4. Functions of Interest Groups Raise Awareness and Stimulate Interest They seek to educate their members and the general public Represent their Membership Linkage institution between the public and government Provide Information to the Government Data and testimony that is useful in making public policy Provide Channels for Political Participation Enabling citizens to work together for a common goal (“magnifying voices”)

5. Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Labor Groups (Unions) Examples: Teamsters, AFL-CIO Protect and promote interests of labor Business Groups Examples: Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers Promote and protect business interests Professional Groups Examples: American Medical Association (AMA), American Bar Association (ABA) Maintain standards of profession, publish journals Agricultural Groups Examples: National Grange and National Farmers’ Union Promote and protect agricultural interests

6. Types of Interest Groups Cause Groups Specific Causes American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) National Rifle Association (NRA) Welfare of Specific Groups American Association of Retired People (AARP) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Religion-Related Causes National Council of Churches American Jewish Congress

7. Types of Interest Groups Public Interest Groups Concerned with issues that reach beyond just those of the members (environmental, consumer protection, crime, civil rights, etc.) Common Cause League of Women Voters Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

8. Interest Group Tactics/Strategy Influencing Elections Endorsing Candidates (Voter Guides) Influencing Party Platforms Influencing Party Nominations Campaigning For Donations through Political Action Committees (PACs) Lobbying: Influencing policymakers, often by supplying data/information Direct Lobbying: Using personal contacts between lobbyists and policy makers Grassroots Lobbying: Interested group members and others outside the organization to write letters, send telegrams, e-mails, faxes, and telephone calls to influence policymakers Coalition Lobbying: Several interest groups with common goals join together to influence policymakers

9. Interest Group Tactics/Strategy Litigation: Groups take an issue to court, if they could not find success in Congress. NAACP and segregation during the 1950s (Brown v. Board of Education) Going Public: Appealing to the public for support by bringing attention to the issue or using public relations to gain support for the image of the interest group

10. Attempts to Regulate Interest Groups 1946 Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act All lobbyists must register with the House and Senate Only if their PRINCIPAL PURPOSE was to influence legislation 1995 Lobbying Disclosure Act Lobbyists must register if lobbying was directed not only at Congress, but congressional staff members, policymakers within Executive Branch as well Required to disclose more about activities and their client list as well.