Interest Groups and Public Opinion Government Chapter 18 Interest Groups and Public Opinion

Interest Group Organization Interest group- share common goals to influence government. Factions- The Federalist, No. 10, Madison spoke about the constitution would be a safeguard. Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, Americans uniquely toward group affiliation.

Interest groups May support candidates who support their ideas. Narrowly defined issues or problems. Organized on common values. Purpose is to bridge the gap between the citizen and the government. Political power based on numbers.

Interest Groups Leadership strengthens power by unifying members. Membership- 3 reasons 1. promote economic self interests 2. based on beliefs, values, or attitudes 3. based on enjoying the company of others *Lower socioeconomic groups less inclined to join groups.

Interest Groups Business-Related Interest Groups- oldest groups, cut taxes, regulation. United States Chamber of Commerce support small business. Labor-Related Interest Groups- AFL-CIO the largest and most powerful. Agricultural Groups- American Farm Bureau Federation the largest.

Other Interest Groups Professional Associations- ABA and AMA Environmental Groups Public-Interest Groups- work for the interest of all Americans Interest Groups in Government- National Governors’ Association Additional Groups- any variety of topics

Section 3: Shaping Public Opinion The Nature of Public Opinion Ideas and attitudes a significant number of Americans hold on gov’t and pol. Issues. Diversity- a number of different opinions Communication- How do we convey ideas. Polls, letters, and Interest groups Significant numbers

Political Socialization Family and Home- 2/3 of adults are the same party as parents Schools Peer groups Social Characteristics- rich or poor, rural or urban Mass Media Political efficacy- How much can I impact the system

Ideology and Public Policy Set of basic beliefs about life, culture, gov’t, and society. Liberal Ideology- promote health, education and justice. Increase equality over economic needs. Conservative Ideology- Limited role in economic and social problems. Moral lifestyle Moderates and Libertarians- inbetween

Section 4: Measuring Public Opinion Traditional Methods Political Party Organizations Interest Groups The Mass Media Letter Writing Electronic Access Straw Polls- Unscientific methods

Scientific Polling Sample Populations Universe- group to be studied Representative sample- small group Random sampling- equal chance of being selected. Sampling Error- 1,200 to 1,500, + or - 3 Sampling Procedures Poll Questions- unbiased

Polls Mail and Phone Polls- less cost, random digit dialing Interpreting Results Public Opinion and Democracy- Framers ideas 1. Provide for popular rule, active voice 2. insulate gov’t from shifting whims of ill informed public opinion