11.6: Special Interest Groups

What are they? Any organization of people with similar beliefs that advocates for its beliefs by supporting candidates and trying to influence public policy They are also known as advocacy groups or lobbies, because they advocate or lobby for their interests

How are they different from political parties? They support rather than field candidates Their views are usually much more narrow than political parties They represent either a single group of people or a single cause

Types and Examples 1. agricultural groups – represent the nation’s farmers as a whole or certain types of farmers - American Farm Bureau Federation - National Potato Council 2. business groups – represent the nation’s businesses as a whole or certain types of businesses - U.S. Chamber of Commerce - trade associations – represent certain industries – American Meat Institute

3. labor groups – usually in the form of labor unions 4 3. labor groups – usually in the form of labor unions 4. professional groups – represent particular professions - American Medical Association 5. societal groups – represent certain segments of the population - AARP – American Association of Retired People

6. Cause-Based Groups – represent single-issue causes - MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving

How do they work? 1. organize people 2. educate their members and others about issues and candidates many provide ratings and scorecards on legislators 3. endorse candidates, campaign for those candidates 4. contribute money to candidates sometimes give money to both candidates 5. lobby – hire professionally lobbyists who live in DC and contact legislators and tell them how to vote 6. use their constituents to lobby legislators 7. testify before Congress and other government agencies 8. file lawsuits psea.org

Criticisms Wield too much power and influence Focus on single issues and don’t take into account the bigger picture Can cause Congress not to act at all for fear of angering opposing groups

Regulations Corporations and labor unions are forbidden from contributing to campaigns directly; labor unions are forbidden from using members’ dues for campaign contributions They can set up political action committees (PACs) These must register with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) Can contribute a max of $5,000 to each candidate in the primary and again in the general election $15,000 annually to the national party committee $5,000 annually to state and local party committees

http://www. colbertnation http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report- videos/168449/may-13-2008/better-know-a-lobby--- gun-control http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report- videos/350636/august-17-2010/better-know-a-lobby--- american-meat-institute