AP Gov Review Video #16: Interest Groups - The Range Of Interests Represented

Interests Groups What are they? A group that seeks to influence public policy If there is a public policy, chances are there are interest groups for it 4 types of interest groups Economic Environmental Equality Consumer How do interest groups affect policy? Lobbying and PACs

Theories of Interest Groups Pluralism: Believe that many groups are beneficial - no one group can dominate Elitism: Argue most interest groups are not important, most power resides with few groups Hyperpluralism: Argue that interest groups hold too much power - government tries to please all the groups

Economic Interest Groups Labor Interests (2nd largest interest group): Unions favor the union shop - requires employees to join a union once they are hired Businesses favor right-to-work laws - do NOT require union membership in order to work In the past, unions have played a role in the passage of laws Safety laws after the Triangle Shirt-waist Factory Fire Since the 1950s, union membership has declined -> outsourcing to other countries Many workers do not feel unions are beneficial

Economic Interest Groups Business Interests: The number of Political Action Committees (PACs) for businesses has grown significantly in recent years Business interests sometimes conflict: Railroad interests want fewer highways and more railroads - trucking interests want more highways and fewer railroads More international trade is good for some businesses, hurts others

Environmental Interest Groups Earth Day - April 22, 1970: Led to the creation of many environmental interest groups These groups hope to see policies that: Control pollution Limit/reverse global warming Oppose oil drilling and the building of nuclear plants Since 1977, there have been no new nuclear power plants approved

Equality Interest Groups 2 major equality groups - NAACP and NOW NAACP - founded by W.E.B. DuBois and others Represented the Brown family and others in Brown v. Board - reversed segregation in schools NOW - first president was Betty Friedan Seek to end discrimination against women Advocated the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment

Consumer Interest Groups Consumer Interest Groups can help EVERYONE benefit, not just members of the group Consumer safety benefits everyone in America, not just members of the group Consumer Product Safety Commission: Created in 1973 - regulate consumer products and could ban products Unsafe at Any Speed - Ralph Nader - exposed the dangers of cars manufactured by General Motors

How Do Interest Groups Influence Policy? Lobby federal agencies and Congress File lawsuits (Think Brown v. Board) Testify before Congress Use Issue advocacy ads

Test Tips Multiple-Choice: Theories of interest groups Ways interest groups influence policy Achievements by NAACP and NOW Free Response Questions: Techniques used by interest groups to influence elections - 2012

See You Back Here For Video #17 - Iron Triangles Thanks For Watching Best of luck in May!