1. UNIT 5 LESSON 2 Interest Groups

2. Warm-up 1. What are two things you’re interested in (keep it school appropriate)? 2. Pick one of your interests. How does/could the government impact your area of interest?

3. Objective After this lesson, you should be able to explain the activities of interest groups.

4. Interest Group: An organized body of people who share some goals and try to influence public policy to meet these goals. these groups spend time and money to influence politicians to support laws that will be beneficial for them

5. Why are they effective?  Shows that many people care about the issue Why people join:  Promote self-interest (ex: labor union)  Personal interest in an issue (ex: animal protection)

6. Examples of Interest Groups

7. LobbyingConvincing politicians to agree with their views

8. MailersMailing information about their cause

9. EmailOften used to encourage action on issues

10. Internet/TV/ Radio Ads Gain more members/support for ideas

11. Donations to candidates Support candidates they agree with

12. Tactics Political Action Committees (PAC) Formed to funnel donations to a candidate (collects 10 donations of $500 for a $5000 donation/expense) This image discusses the purpose of HIPAC, the PAC formed by employees of the Honeywell corporation. They are known for household electronic products like humidifiers and thermostats. What topics might they support?

13. Political Action Committees are also used by businesses and individuals who want to donate more money to a candidate than the legal individual limit. PACs are limited in how much they can donate to a candidate, but they can spend an unlimited amount of money on behalf of a candidate.

15. Comparing to Political Parties Political PartiesInterest Groups 1. Nominate candidates for office 1. Can support candidates that share their views but DO NOT nominate candidates 2. Must consider many issues that affect all Americans 2. Focused on a specific issue 3. Includes a diverse group of people 3. Only concerned with people that share their exact beliefs 4. Free to be a member4. Usually requires membership fee

16. Multiple Choice Practice 1. Which of these describes the main purpose of an interest group? a.to influence government officials on specific issues b.to form legislative committees that study public policy c.to regulate the economy by setting federal lending rates d.to select cases for hearing in appeals court

17. Multiple Choice Practice 2. Which of these is the best example of a special interest group? a.an organization whose focus is to advocate legislation favorable to the elderly b.an organization whose purpose is to nominate candidates to run for elected offices c.a private company that hires extra employees for temporary work d.a charitable foundation that gives money to help needy children overseas