1. Interest groups

2. Examples AARP- American Association of Retired Persons NRA- National Rifle Association PETA- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Trout Unlimited World Wildlife Federation

3. 4 Characteristics of an Interest Group Voluntary association- people choose to join People who join the group have common characteristics- If I am in the NRA then I care about protecting the rights of gun owners Public policy focus- an interest group is actively trying to shape public policy Interest groups are not political parties

4. Why do people join them? 4 theories of why people join interest groups

5. Disturbance Theory if there is a disturbance in your world you might join an interest group. For example, you get arrested for possessing marijuana, you might join the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

6. Selective Benefits Interest groups give out some benefit to entice people to join. For example, the AARP allows members to enroll in special insurance programs with extra low rates for prescription drugs. This benefit is only available to members. This is a way to combat the free rider problem

7. Free Rider Problem Now imaging that the AARP does not provide any extra benefit for Those who decide to join. Why would you join? As along as other people join and give their Money, then I can keep my money and still benefit from all the Work the organization does on behalf of old people. I need some incentive to join and not just be a Free Rider

8. Entrepreneurial Theory join because the leader is energetic and leads people to the group, he/she is good at raising money and interest. Lots of Charisma. You just like being a part of this organization!

9. Polis Model people join the interest group because they truly believe in the cause. Example- I joined Save the Whales because I truly believe that we need to take action now to save the endangered species.

10. What do interest groups do? a.Hire Lobbyists- lobbyists try and persuade politicians to take up their cause and take political action their particular issue. – Hang out in the lobby of Congress. – Give information and persuade politicians

11. To be a good lobbyist you must have the attention of the elected officials Show constituent interest- let the politicians know X # voting members of their district care about this issue. Fit the scene- look like the elected officials, be at the same places. Revolving Door syndrome - this is when ex-politicians become lobbyists because they fit the scene and know how the process works.

12. To be a good lobbyist Gain trust- if you lie or mislead to the politicians, they could look stupid, not get votes and they will not trust you. Mobilize support Coalition building- find other politicians who other interest groups who could be natural allies (Save the Whales could mobilize support from Green Peace, National Wildlife Fund etc. ) networking

13. To be a good lobbyist http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/park-avenue-money-power-american- dream/ Watch the movie, it is certainly bias but it is a great example of how money influences politics When you are finished write about your reactions to it on the discussion board.