11/14 How are the following most likely to vote? Crosscutting - Men Low income Those with college degree Jewish and Catholic African Americans Crosscutting - Realignment -

Interest Groups

Role of Interest Groups An interest group is a private organization whose members share certain views and work to shape public policy. Interest groups exist to shape public policy.

Political Parties vs. Interest Groups 3 key differences Nominations Distinct difference between pps and igs Interest Groups try to influence nominations only for the purpose of affecting policy Primary Focus Control government vs. shape policy Parties care about the who, Interest Groups care about the what Scope of Interest Parties concern themselves with a wide range of affairs Interest Groups focus on a specific issue – NRA, Planned Parenthood, AARP, State Farm, American Medical Assc.

Functions of Interest Groups Raise awareness of public affairs Represent people based on attitudes, instead of geography Provide information/research to the government Provide another way for the public to participate in the political process Keep tabs on public agencies and officials

Criticisms of Interest Groups Influence can far outweigh their size Difficult to tell how who or how many people are represented by an interest group Groups don’t always represent the views of their members Sometimes use shady tactics - Bribery, threats, etc.

Types of Interest Groups Economic interest groups: business, labor, agriculture Walmart, General Motors, AFL-CIO Single issue groups NRA, Planned Parenthood Promote the welfare of a certain group AARP, NAACP Religious organizations Public interest groups seek improvements for all society Common Cause, ACLU

What Interest Groups do Lobbying – any activity an interest group does to influence the government Legislative branch Executive branch Judicial branch – amicus curiae brief Federal, State or Local level Lobbyist is a person who works for an interest group and represents that group to the government

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAZXFELMd2w

What lobbyists do? Send info (articles, reports, etc.) to officeholders Testify to Congress Use grass-roots techniques to activate constituents Send letters, emails, make phone calls Grade candidates & publicize ratings Make campaign contributions

Political Action Committee (PAC) Extension of an interest group which tries to influence elections by making contributions to political campaigns PAC website Jack Abramoff video

Federal Elections Commission Regulates money in elections Hard money – contributions directly to a candidate’s campaign Regulated by FEC Soft money – money spent directly on commercials Unregulated by the FEC Citizens United v. FEC

Super PAC Independent expenditure-only committee that may raise unlimited money Don’t contribute to candidates Spend money directly, for or against candidates Super PAC website Super PAC video