Which group is more powerful, AARP or MADD? Put Interest Group w.s. in basket.

Which group can run the most effective media campaign? MADDPETA

Lobbying – a definition The process by which interest groups attempt to assert their influence on the policy-making process.

Who gets lobbied? Congress/legislative bodies - **most common** Executive Branch – usually agencies, departments, staffers and advisors Courts – amicus curiae briefs and pro bono work. The American People – convince us, and we will convince them. For common tactics, see page 635 in text.

Regulation 1995 Lobbying Disclosure Act lobbyists must register with both Senate and House report their clients, issues and government components lobbied report the estimate amount they are paid by their clients

What does lobbying look like? Lobbying the government Value of Lobbyists Problems –AbramoffAbramoff Lobbying the people ACLU Anti Smoking Part IIAnti SmokingPart II PETA Bible Education

Criticism of Interest Groups Interest Groups have been criticized for –ignoring the wider interest of society –producing confusion and deadlock in Congress –generating so much emotion that they make reasoned discussion difficult –having too much influence

Positives Interest Groups: promote interest in public affairs provide useful information serve as watchdogs represent the interest of citizens