What are all the organizations that you and your family members are a part of?

Any organization that seeks to influence public policy. Interest Groups Any organization that seeks to influence public policy.

Three Types of Interest Groups 1. Single – Issue 2. Social Action 3. Economic

Single Issue Interest Groups National Rifle Association (NRA) Right-to-Life

Social Action Interest Groups People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Organization for Women (NOW) Sierra Club

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Protect religious and civil rights, defends the Bill of Rights; to combat bigotry

Economic Interest Groups Labor Unions AFL-CIO Chamber of Commerce

Economic Interest Groups Professional Associations American Medical Association American Bar Association Agriculture National Grange

Functions of Interest Groups provide information to legislators and the public (most significant role) Influence public policy Ex: AAA provides highway death figures when the speed limit is increased

Incentives to join Interest Groups Material Benefits Discounts Money Special services to members only Travel Free items

Tactics of Interest Groups hold rallies stir/start legislation Lobbying raise money $$ for candidates/parties use persuasive propaganda Pay for Issue Ads- Educating the voter to the “cause”

What is Lobbying?? Interest group representatives speak directly with lawmakers to influence them. Lobbyists have tremendous power Origin: British reps once crowded into the lobbies outside legislative chambers of Parliament to speak with lawmakers

Types of Lobbying “grassroots” A movement started and carried out by people at a local level, not by professionals EX) petitions, protests, letters – MADD Why effective? Power of the vote- many people Don’t have to disclose contributions $$$$

Types of Lobbying “professional” Companies hire professional lobbyists to speak to officials Ex. Tobacco companies hire people to persuade officials to oppose laws damaging to the tobacco industry.

Why should you hire a lobbyist? Professionals know the cause. Have the trust of legislators (building relationships & their good reputation is their job). Know how to play the game & who the key players are. http://youtu.be/R2DUM6jVasw

Types of Lobbying Astroturf Lobbying http://youtu.be/bhC05iXzN6M Types of Lobbying Astroturf Lobbying Big businesses pretending to be grassroots organizations so they don’t have to disclose who pays them. Ex.“Big Tobacco” sends out letters with self-addressed envelopes to people with the hope that they will sign their names to the letter and mail it back. You will be on their mailing list FOREVER!!!!

How do interest groups raise money $$$ ??? PAC = Political Action Committee set up by interest groups to raise $ for candidates and parties Ex) VOTE-COPE- NY teachers union PAC EMILY’s List- supports female candidates http://youtu.be/d9cpHLN-sqQ

How do interest groups raise money $$$ ??? Individual Campaign contributions are limited to $2,300 per election, but PAC’s can give $5,000 to a candidate or $15,000 to a party. PAC’s can also run their own “issue ads” on TV. http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/summ.php?disp=D

Hard Money vs. Soft Money The limited $2,300 per election amount is called “hard” money and goes directly to the candidate running for office. Candidates can use this $ to run ads supporting their candidacy. “I am Barrack Obama and I approve this message”.

Soft Money http://youtu.be/h2ldKf9kNy4 Unlimited $$$ raised and spent by interest groups on their own ads. “527” interest groups and some PAC’s can run “issue ads” w/ soft $. Such "issue ads" won't explicitly tell you to elect or defeat a particular candidate, but the group's view of the candidate's stance on their issue is clear. Highly controversial due to corruption.

Why are there so many interest groups in America? Constitutional Protection- First Amendment (free speech & assembly). Pluralistic Society- many different political, social, and economic interests. Rising costs of political campaigns.