1. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

2. Interest Groups and Civic and Political Engagement CHAPTER 12

3. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Activism and Protest in the United States Illustrate how beliefs in collective action, self-government, and citizen action laid the foundation for activism and protest in the United States. Influencing the Government Through Mobilization and Participation Explain the key factors that facilitate political protest and activism. Functions and Types of Interest Groups Identify four different types of interest groups, and explain the function of interest groups in a democracy. Key Objectives 12.1 12.3 12.2 Click on buttons to go to the relevant slide.

4. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Interest Group Mobilization Show how interest groups mobilize their memberships in the face of organizational barriers. Inside and Outside Lobbying Describe how interest groups appeal to public officials and the public to gain support for their causes. The Influence of Interest Groups Assess the ways interest groups positively and negatively impact our society. Key Objectives 12.6 12.5 12.4 Click on buttons to go to the relevant slide.

5. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Activism and Protest in the United States Grassroots mobilization is an important pathway to influence our society, our government, and our social structures Illustrate how beliefs in collective action, self-government, and citizen action laid the foundation for activism and protest in the United States. 12.2. 12.1 Back to Learning Objectives

6. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Belief in Collective Action The right to associate and to be active in public affairs is one of the most fundamental rights on which participatory democracy depends Activism is at the root of our “do something” political culture, and forming groups is essential for political action. 12.1 Back to Learning Objectives

7. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Belief in Self-Government One central idea underlying our political system is a belief in self-government and citizen action. Our Declaration of Independence’s premise is that people have a right to revolt when they determine that their government has denied them their legitimate rights 12.1 Back to Learning Objectives

8. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Tocqueville argued that the tyranny of the majority can be countered by A.democratic institutions. B.statesman. C.checks and balances. D.the liberty of association. 12.1 Back to Learning Objectives

9. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Tocqueville argued that the tyranny of the majority can be countered by A.democratic institutions. B.statesman. C.checks and balances. D.the liberty of association. 12.1 Back to Learning Objectives

10. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Influencing Government Through Mobilization and Participation For democracy to function and to thrive, there must be a collective sense of community Constitutional guarantees and organized interests facilitate political protest and activism by providing pathways Explain the key factors that facilitate political protest and activism. 12.2 Back to Learning Objectives

11. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Constitutional Guarantees First Amendment freedoms are fundamental in our democracy, because they dramatically determine how we can influence our world, including our fellow citizens and leaders 12.2 Back to Learning Objectives

12. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Organized Interests Pressure from organized interests serves to hold governing officials accountable by forcing them to pay attention to issues that are important to people Competing groups can counteract the self- serving tendencies of each, balancing perspectives and increasing the likelihood for broader and more diverse representation 12.2 Back to Learning Objectives

13. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Functions and Types of Interest Groups Interest groups are organizations outside the government that attempt to influence the government’s behavior, decision making, and allocation of resources Many people look skeptically at interest groups and tend to see them in a very negative light Identify four different types of interest groups, and explain the function of interest groups in a democracy 12.3 Back to Learning Objectives

14. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Characteristics of Interest Groups People join interest groups to find a place to belong, to articulate their point of view, and to promote their common goals Three primary characteristics –Voluntary associations of joiners –Share common beliefs –Focus on influencing government 12.3 Back to Learning Objectives

15. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Functions of Interest Groups In the U.S. interest groups serve the five specific functions –Represent constituents before the government –Provide constituents a means of political participation –Educate the public –Building agendas –Serving as government watchdogs 12.3 Back to Learning Objectives

16. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Types of Interest Groups Interest groups span the political spectrum but can be divided into four categories –Economic groups –Public interest groups –Think tanks and universities –Governmental groups 12.3 Back to Learning Objectives

17. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman The Interest Group Explosion The number and levels of activity of groups have grown exponentially for several reasons –Social cleavages –More opportunities to influence –Disturbance theory –Growth of government –Changing social characteristics of the American population 12.3 Back to Learning Objectives

18. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman The attitude of this group would support economic sanctions over the use of military whenever possible 1.Neoliberals 2.Isolationists 3.Conservatives 4.Neoconservatives 12.3 Back to Learning Objectives

19. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman The attitude of this group would support economic sanctions over the use of military whenever possible 1.Neoliberals 2.Isolationists 3.Conservatives 4.Neoconservatives 12.3 Back to Learning Objectives

20. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Interest Group Mobilization All groups face barriers that can affect organizing Specific subgroups may face additional barriers Some barriers may affect certain groups differently than others Groups that are successful in recruiting and retaining members are sensitive to each concern and able to overcome these considerations Show how interest groups mobilize their memberships in the face of organizational barriers. 12.4 Back to Learning Objectives

21. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Organizational Barriers Three potential barriers to those wanting to create a group to bring about change –Free rider problem –Cost –The absence of efficacy 12.4 Back to Learning Objectives

22. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Overcoming Organizational Barriers Groups use many means to make membership attractive so that the benefits of membership outweigh the perceived costs –Selective benefits Material benefits Solidary benefits Purposive benefits –Required benefits 12.4 Back to Learning Objectives

23. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman The Role of Interest Group Leaders Interest groups use inspirational leadership to build membership When people believe in the leaders of an organization, they are more supportive of its goals and more likely to support it financially. Effective leaders “sell” their issues to the public attracting media attention and membership. –César Chávez and the United Farm Workers 12.4 Back to Learning Objectives

24. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Solidary benefits are those that focus on A.providing tangible benefits that have value. B.providing intangible cause. C.providing activities and a sense of belonging. D.access to collective goods. 12.4 Back to Learning Objectives

25. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Solidary benefits are those that focus on A.providing tangible benefits that have value. B.providing intangible cause. C.providing activities and a sense of belonging. D.access to collective goods. 12.4 Back to Learning Objectives

26. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Inside and Outside Lobbying The key to understanding influence in our governmental system is to realize that interest groups and individuals use different pathways, often at the same time, to advance their perspectives and petition their government. One pathway may prove a successful vehicle for a group at one point but fail at another time. Describe how interest groups appeal to public officials and the public to gain support for their causes. 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

27. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Inside Lobbying Lobbyists gain access to a policymaker directly Lobbyists will testify at congressional committee hearings Lobbyists provide financial incentives for policymakers 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

28. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Outside Lobbying Indirect lobbying is the attempt to influence decision makers indirectly, by influencing the public. Several advantages –People can be used through the elections pathway to directly affect the selection of officials –citizens can take direct actions that can be used to further the group’s agenda 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

29. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Grassroots Mobilization Interest groups increasingly rely on grassroots mobilization as a form of outside lobbying to pressure policymakers Artificially stimulated public interest or “Astroturf,” gives the appearance of widespread popularity but has no real depth 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

30. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Grassroots Lobbying Tactics Traditional tactics of indirect lobbying –Direct contact –Direct mail –Use the media –Internet and social networking 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

31. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Campaign Activities Interest groups play an active role in the elections pathway in local, state, and national campaigns Most interest groups take part in electoral politics by rating and endorsing candidates 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

32. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Inside lobbying would involve which of the following activities? A.Providing fees for a congressional member to speak to one of your clients B.Providing testimony at a sub-committee hearing C.Meeting with a legislative staffer to provide research on an issue D.Organizing a demonstration 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

33. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Inside lobbying would involve which of the following activities? A.Providing fees for a congressional member to speak to one of your clients B.Providing testimony at a sub-committee hearing C.Meeting with a legislative staffer to provide research on an issue D.Organizing a demonstration 12.5 Back to Learning Objectives

34. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman The Influence of Interest Groups There is a perception that interest groups corrupt politics and politicians Corruption occurs, but more often, it does not Assess the ways interest groups positively and negatively impact our society. 12.6 Back to Learning Objectives

35. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Interest Group Money Groups with large resources have many advantages and are more successful Yet women’s rights groups, and the farm workers movement are examples of successful groups with less money 12.6 Back to Learning Objectives

36. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Bias in Representation: Who Participates? Activists are not typical Americans—most of them are drawn from the elite levels of society There is a profound difference among the races, and within races along gender lines Individuals who participate in group activity, tend to develop political tolerance, trust, and a sense of efficacy—qualities that are essential for maintaining a healthy democracy 12.6 Back to Learning Objectives

37. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Final Verdict? Interest groups play a mixed role in our society. Participating in groups affects individual citizens in several positive ways. The growth of interest groups also coincided with a growth in distrust in government, increased cynicism, and a decrease in voting 12.6 Back to Learning Objectives

38. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Which of the following would be least likely to belong to an interest group? 1.A single mom who works in a grocery store as a clerk 2.An unemployed high school graduate 3.An undocumented day laborer 4.A college graduate working in the IT industry 12.6 Back to Learning Objectives

39. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Which of the following would be least likely to belong to an interest group? 1.A single mom who works in a grocery store as a clerk 2.An unemployed high school graduate 3.An undocumented day laborer 4.A college graduate working in the IT industry 12.6 Back to Learning Objectives

40. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman What do you think? Do interest groups reflect the broader consensus of issue positions in America? YES. While there are a variety of interest groups, each reflects the struggle of ‘majority rule’ and allows stability in policy over time. NO. There are simply too few groups that have significant power and membership allowing these few groups to influence policy decisions in their favor. Back to Learning Objectives

41. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman What do you think? Should interest groups be allowed to provide campaign contributions? YES. Prohibiting campaign contributions from interest groups would make candidates more attuned to the needs of their entire community and the nation as a whole NO. This money represents the collective giving of its membership to help elect candidates who support issues important to those groups’ members Back to Learning Objectives

42. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Credits 386 Kevin P. Casey/The New York Times/Redux Pictures; 388 Bettmann/Corbis; 390 AP Images/Jeff Widener; 392 Library of Congress; 393 Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis; 395 Bettmann/ Corbis; 396 Steven Clevenger/Corbis; 397 Bettmann/Corbis; 398 AP Images/Sakuma; 399 Christian Coalition; 400 Bettmann/Corbis; 401 AP Images/Rex C. Curry; 403 AP Images/Chris Schneider; 404 Spencer Platt/Getty Images; 407 Iowa Department of Public Health; 409, top to bottom: AP Images/Alex Brandon; Bettmann/Corbis; The Granger Collection; AP Images/The Conroe Carrier, Eric S. Swist; 416 Joe Raedle/Getty Images; 419 Joshua Lott/The New York Times/Redux Pictures; 421 John Zimmerman; 423 Splash News and Pictures/Newscom; 426 Hulton Archive/Getty Images; 429 Carol T. Powers/The New York Times/Redux Pictures; 430 Orlando Sentinel/MCT/Landov; 434 Reuters/Corbis; 436 Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; 439, top to bottom: Courtesy PETA; Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images; Scott Trent; AP Images/J. Pat Carter Back to Learning Objectives