Interest Groups An interest group is an organization of people who share a common interest. The fundamental purpose of Interest Groups is to influence public policy

How Interest Groups Influence Policy Give Information to Policymakers – The single most important tactic interest groups can provide is to supply credible information to policymakers in government – Most effective on narrow, technical issues – Establish political cues regarding what values are at stake. – Generate rating systems to generate support or opposition to legislators.

How Interest Groups Influence Policy Lobbyists and PACs – Lobbyists A professional hired by the interest group to influence legislation on behalf of the interest groups. – PACs (Political Action Committees) A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money from voluntary donations

How Interest Groups Influence Policy Delivering Earmarks – Earmarks are pieces of legislation that directs approved funds to be spent on specific projects, or that directs specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees. – Interest groups have found ways to design legislation to benefit their particular purposes

How Interest Groups Influence Policy Public Support – This is referred to as “outsider strategy” – Grassroots mobilization of committed citizens to put pressure on government – Threatens their voting and campaign funds. Litigation (Court Cases) – Bringing lawsuits against policies that block their interest (NAACP vs. Segregation)

Pros/Cons for Lobbyists Pros – Deliver Information to Legislators – Magnify Individual’s Voices Cons – Perception of Corruption – Influence of Money on Politics