Interest Groups

Objectives The student will … Identify three ways groups and organizations can influence the actions of the government Explain how individuals, public opinion, associations, and groups form and carry out public policy

What is an interest group? Private organization whose members share certain view and work to shape public policy Also called pressure groups What are some examples of interest groups?

Examples of Interest Groups National Rifle Association (NRA) American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Interest Groups Interest groups are also called pressure groups because they seek to put pressure on the government to affect policies Most interest groups are formed on the basis of economic interests

What is public policy? All the goals that a government pursues in the many areas human affairs in which it’s involved

Types of Interest Groups

Which type of IG is this? _______________________________ The Humane Society works to reduce suffering and improve the lives of animals by advocating for better laws; investigating animal cruelty; conducting campaigns to reform industries; providing animal rescue and emergency response; and caring for animals through our emergency shelters. _______________________________ The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the leading manufacturer association, representing manufactures in every industrialized sector and in all 50 states. Our mission is the be the voice of all manufacturing in the U.S. and inform policymakers about manufacturing’s vital role in the economy. ___________________________ The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. _______________________________ The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) represents actors who work in film and television programs, commercials, video games, Internet, and all new media formats. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, pay, and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights. ___________________________ The Christian Coalition of America works to represent the pro-family agenda and support policies that will strengthen and preserve, rather than threaten, our families and our values

Influencing Government Interest groups use several strategies to influence government Lobbying for support/Informing people on the issues Lobbyists are people who work for an interest group who try to pressure lawmakers into making legislation in their favor Distribute propaganda to elicit support for their cause Endorsing candidates Groups support candidates based on his support of their group Raising Money Groups will raise money for candidates

Representatives interview a candidate to see if he or she will support the group’s position on nuclear plants. If so, the group will back the candidate. Endorsing a candidate Volunteers from a teen health interest group go into schools and educate students about the dangers of underage drinking Informing An interest group runs an ad that supports a candidate running for office Name that Influence

Lobbyists visit with members of Congress and local officials and share their reasons for supporting and opposing an upcoming bill Informing Once a candidate had been endorsed, members of an interest group help raise donations to help the candidate’s campaign Donating money A group runs TV and radio ads about an issue in order to raise public concern and spur the public to action

Interest Group Issues Abortion Affirmative Action Campaign / Political Reform Drugs Education Environment Euthanasia (Right-to-Die) Gay Rights Gun Control Health Care Immigration Labor Military / Veterans Social Security Taxes / Taxation Women's Issues World Trade

Example http://www.madd.org/underage-drinking/social-host/socialhostbroch.pdf

Make your own interest group! (Project Grade) You and your partner(s) will make an interest group flyer (30 pts) Must relate to the needs of students Examples: bullying, website restriction at school, short lunches, later school day, uniforms, dress code, class length, violence in schools, sports, longer summers, etc. Topic Relates to needs of Students (10 points) I.G. name (3 points) Goal (3 points) Three points that explain why (5 pts each) Slogan (2 pts) Symbol (2 points) Creativity/Neatness (5 points)

Partners