CHAPTER 9 Political Interest Groups

DO NOW…Define these words 1.Public policy 2.Public affairs 3.Trade associations 4.Labor unions 5.Public interest groups 6.Propaganda 7.Single-interest groups 8.Lobbying 9.Grass roots

Interest Groups offer Americans an important means of influencing U.S. public policy. They are formed around many issues, such as public interest, social issues and economics.

Who do Interest Groups Influence? Interest Group Influences public policy goals Federal levelState level Influences actions taken by political leaders Local level

What is the difference between Interest Groups and Political Parties? Care mostly about who takes part in government Political Parties Care mostly about what the government does – especially on select issues Interest Groups

Pros Stimulate interest in public affairs and issues that concern the people at large Offer a chance for people to participate in politics and connect with others who share their views Provide useful information to the government leaders who may not be familiar with all the issues Since they compete with each other, they limit extremes Keeps close tabs on government Cons Critics say they have more influence than they deserve based on the worth of their causes or the number of people they represent Difficult to tell exactly how many people an interest group represents Some interest groups do not represent the views of all the people they claim to represent Interest groups can draw too much attention to an issue with aggressive behavior, thus causing politicians to cater to special interests

What are the different types of Interest Groups? Many Americans belong to several organizations that meet the definition of an interest group Trade Associations Interest groups formed by one segment of the business community. Ex. Banking Industry Labor Unions Interest groups whose members are workers who hold similar jobs or work in the same industry. Ex. Police Officers, Teachers Political Economic and Social Cause Groups Promote groups like veterans, taxpayers, elderly, protection of the environment Religious Interest Groups Promote certain religious interests like Right to Life, Jewish Defamation League Public Interest Groups Work for the “public good” – try to represent all the people in the country on issues that affect us all like voting rights, consumer rights, fresh water

Purpose Promote business Organize Labor Promote professions Promote social programs For the public good Example American Bankers Association Fraternal Order of Police American Medical Association Veterans of Foreign Wars League of Women Voters

How do Interest Groups Work?

Propaganda The technique of persuasion aimed at influencing behaviors to create certain beliefs These beliefs may be true, false or partly true

Use of Propaganda Goal is to create a particular belief. Begins with a conclusion and uses information to support the conclusion. Ignores information to disprove conclusion. Often attacks other beliefs through name-calling or by discrediting other viewpoints by presenting only one side of the argument (card-stacking) Mud Slinging – making other candidate look bad Uses symbols and labels to produce results – “American”, “fair”, “just” – Testimonials – TV stars and athletes

How do Interest Groups Impact Political Parties?

PAC’S Single Interest Groups that concentrate their efforts on one issue They work for or against a candidate based only on his or her stand on that one issue

Influencing Elections Keep close ties with major political parties Major source of campaign funding – Create PAC’s (political action committees): groups set up to donate money to political campaigns – Interest groups cannot legally donate money to campaigns. – Corporations and Unions also cannot donate to campaigns.

What are Lobbyists? Interest groups apply pressure to lawmakers by lobbying. Also called “legislative counsel” or “public representatives” Must know legislative process Use many techniques – Send reports, articles and other favorable materials to lawmakers – Testify before committees Interest groups apply pressure to lawmakers by lobbying. Also called “legislative counsel” or “public representatives” Must know legislative process Use many techniques – Send reports, articles and other favorable materials to lawmakers – Testify before committees

Direct Methods: Personal contact with legislators most effective Providing expertise to legislators or other government official Offer “expert” testimony before congressional committees for or against proposed legislation Assisting legislators or bureaucrats in drafting legislation Follow up: legislation carried out Election Support – Can take part in the political parties campaign – Members can run for office – Urge members to vote for candidate – Threaten withdrawal of their votes – Provide money through PAC’s Indirect Methods: Using public opinion. If the public favors a group’s ideas, a legislator is more likely to listen Mobilizing constituents; write letters or make calls to show support of opposition Brining lawsuits Influencing Judicial Appointments Staging Demonstrations

Regulations 1946: Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act – lobbyists must register with the the House and Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995: all individuals who seek influence any member of Congress must disclose basic personal information about themselves, their lobbying activities, and their clients. States also regulate the activities of lobbyists 1946: Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act – lobbyists must register with the the House and Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995: all individuals who seek influence any member of Congress must disclose basic personal information about themselves, their lobbying activities, and their clients. States also regulate the activities of lobbyists

How are Interest Groups different from Public Opinion? Interest groups are policy specialists Focus on only a handful of key policies More tightly organized Financed through dues and contributions Try to influence the outcome of elections, but do not compete for public office

Open Secrets.org OpenSecrets.org is your nonpartisan guide to money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy. Whether you’re a voter, journalist, activist, student or interested citizen, use our free site to shine light on your government. Count cash and make change.