1. Interest Groups

2. Objectives The student will …
Identify three ways groups and organizations can influence the actions of the government
Explain how individuals, public opinion, associations, and groups form and carry out public policy

3. What is an interest group?
Private organization whose members share certain view and work to shape public policy
Also called pressure groups
What are some examples of interest groups?

4. Examples of Interest Groups
National Rifle Association (NRA)
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
(AFL-CIO)
Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

5. Interest Groups
Interest groups are also called pressure groups because they seek to put pressure on the government to affect policies
Most interest groups are formed on the basis of economic interests

6. What is public policy?
All the goals that a government pursues in the many areas human affairs in which it’s involved

7. Types of Interest Groups

8. Which type of IG is this? _______________________________
The Humane Society works to reduce suffering and improve the lives of animals by advocating for better laws; investigating animal cruelty; conducting campaigns to reform industries; providing animal rescue and emergency response; and caring for animals through our emergency shelters.
_______________________________
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the leading manufacturer association, representing manufactures in every industrialized sector and in all 50 states. Our mission is the be the voice of all manufacturing in the U.S. and inform policymakers about manufacturing’s vital role in the economy.
___________________________
The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.
_______________________________
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) represents actors who work in film and television programs, commercials, video games, Internet, and all new media formats. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, pay, and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights.
___________________________
The Christian Coalition of America works to represent the pro-family agenda and support policies that will strengthen and preserve, rather than threaten, our families and our values

9. Influencing Government
Interest groups use several strategies to influence government
Lobbying for support/Informing people on the issues
Lobbyists are people who work for an interest group who try to pressure lawmakers into making legislation in their favor
Distribute propaganda to elicit support for their cause
Endorsing candidates
Groups support candidates based on his support of their group
Raising Money
Groups will raise money for candidates

10. Representatives interview a candidate to see if he or she will support the group’s position on nuclear plants. If so, the group will back the candidate.
Endorsing a candidate
Volunteers from a teen health interest group go into schools and educate students about the dangers of underage drinking
Informing
An interest group runs an ad that supports a candidate running for office
Name that Influence

11. Lobbyists visit with members of Congress and local officials and share their reasons for supporting and opposing an upcoming bill
Informing
Once a candidate had been endorsed, members of an interest group help raise donations to help the candidate’s campaign
Donating money
A group runs TV and radio ads about an issue in order to raise public concern and spur the public to action

12. Interest Group Issues Abortion Affirmative Action
Campaign / Political Reform
Drugs
Education
Environment
Euthanasia (Right-to-Die)
Gay Rights
Gun Control
Health Care
Immigration
Labor
Military / Veterans
Social Security
Taxes / Taxation
Women's Issues
World Trade

13. Example

14. Make your own interest group! (Project Grade)
You and your partner(s) will make an interest group flyer (30 pts)
Must relate to the needs of students
Examples: bullying, website restriction at school, short lunches, later school day, uniforms, dress code, class length, violence in schools, sports, longer summers, etc.
Topic Relates to needs of Students (10 points)
I.G. name (3 points)
Goal (3 points)
Three points that explain why (5 pts each)
Slogan (2 pts)
Symbol (2 points)
Creativity/Neatness (5 points)

15. Partners