Ch. 9 - Interest Groups

What are Interest Groups? Interest Groups – organizations of people with a common political cause that they advance through fundraising, lobbying, raising public awareness, and litigation Lobbying – meeting with legislators and government officials to persuade them to support interest group causes Litigation – filing lawsuits in courts to get decisions favorable to group causes

Why do we have Interest Groups? Individuals can exert more political power and influence when organized as a group Creates a connection between the government and the people who will be affected by policy changes Politicians want to be endorsed by groups that can help them win votes and campaign donations

Activities of Interest Groups Advertise to promote their causes Organize protests Political Action Committees (PACs) – raise money to donate to political candidates who are “on their side” of an issue Hire lobbyists to work with a legislature “Grass roots” mobilization – get constituents to call their congressman and demand action on an issue Publish ratings of legislators to show how friendly or unfriendly they are to group causes