AP GOV Review: Video #18, The Activities Of Special Interest Groups Everything You Need To Know About The Activities Of Special Interest Groups To Succeed In AP Government

4 Major Activities Of Interest Groups Lobbying Electioneering Litigation Go Public

#1 Lobbying What is it? The process of trying to persuade politicians They are often hired by interest groups to represent their cause/issue 2 types of lobbyists Paid employee of an organization, union, or corporation Lobbyists hired on a temporary basis Former members of Congress sometimes become lobbyists after their political careers How can lobbyists can help members of Congress? Provide key information on certain public policies Propose ways to help pass legislation How effective is lobbying? Difficult to tell Lobbyists clearly lobby those that are receptive to their ideas

#2 Electioneering What is it? Providing financial assistance (donating to a campaign) and members to vote for candidates Often, interest groups provide assistance through Political Action Committees (PACs) More in video #20 How else can interest groups electioneer? Endorse candidates, provide members for campaigning, and help influence party platforms

#3 Litigation What is it? Using the court system to influence public policy Examples of litigation? Civil Rights groups of the 1950s Brown v. Board of Education ***Amicus Curiae*** briefs “Friends of the court” briefs Groups file depositions to the court, describing how a ruling may affect them Class Action Lawsuits: Combines people in a similar situation under one law suit

#4 Going Public What is it? Appealing to the public to assist a cause Public image is very important in going public Examples of going public? TV, newspaper, and magazine ads How effective is going public? Very difficult to tell, but it is a commonly used tactic

Test Tips Multiple-Choice: Amicus Curiae Litigation - Brown v. Board Purpose of Special Interest Groups Free Response: Ways interest groups influence government decision making - “Iron Triangles” and Amicus Curiae briefs - 2012

See You Back Here For Video #19 - The Effects Of Interest Groups On The Political Process Thanks for watching! Best of luck in May