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An alternative to political parties

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Presentation on theme: "An alternative to political parties"— Presentation transcript:

1 An alternative to political parties
Interest groups An alternative to political parties

2 Defined Interest groups exist to influence gov’t policies.
Usually restricted to issues most impacting their membership. Membership could be open or closed. Can belong to more than one at a time. Unlike parties, no legal status in election process. Historically viewed with suspicion (Madison’s factions) Separation of powers in Constitution is supposed to minimize their effects….time and money have given them a lot of power though.

3 Functions of Interest Groups
Raise awareness and interest via education of members and the public. Represent members by linking them to gov’t Provide info to gov’t (data and testimony  help them w/decision making) Provide opportunities for political participation so citizens can work together to achieve common goals.

4 Types of… Economic- most common, protect a certain economic group or interest Labor (Teamsters Unions), Business (Chamber of Commerce of US), Professional (National Education Assoc.), Agriculture (National Farmers Union) Promote Causes- specific, welfare or religion based National Rifle Assoc., American Assoc. of Retired Persons, American Jewish Congress Public- concerned with issues such as environment, consumer protection, crime and civil rights. League of Women Voters

5 Strategies Influencing Elections- encouraging members to vote for certain platforms, candidates, campaigning, raising $  Super PACs Lobbying- attempting to influence policy Direct- between lobbyists and Congress/policy makers Grassroots- interest group members write letters, call officials, send s, faxes Coalition- several interest groups w/ common goals join forces Litigation- take issues to court if they can’t get Congress to act think NAACP suing over segregation Going Public- Appeal to voters for support by raising awareness of the issue

6 Political Action Committees (Super PACS)
Federal Election Campaign Act of prohibited corporations and labor unions from making direct contributions to candidates running for federal office. PACs were created to be the political arms of interest groups. They must register Raise $ from multiple contributors Donate to several candidates Follow strict accounting rules Citizens United v. FEC changed everything!

7 Regulation of Interest Groups
2 major laws: 1946- Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act Register with Congress and disclose purpose 1995- Lobbying Disclosure Act Stricter regulations Required disclosure of activities and clients DO WE NEED MORE?

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