1. Chapter 9 Mr. LeHew US Government
Interest Groups
Chapter 9
Mr. LeHew
US Government

2. aka Pressure Groups, Special Interest Groups
Private organizations that try to persuade public officials to respond to the attitudes of their members
One of the most effective means Americans have to get the government to respond to their wants/needs

3. Parties vs. Interest Groups
Parties nominate interest groups do not
Parties interested in winning elections while interest groups interested in shaping policy.
Parties interested in a variety of concerns while interest groups are more narrowly focused
Interest groups not accountable to the public at large

4. Represent members who share the same ideas/beliefs
Functions
Increase interest in and discussion of public affairs by developing and pushing public policy
Represent members who share the same ideas/beliefs
Provide government with specialized information used to formulate policy

5. Means by which citizens can pool resources and act collectively
Functions
Means by which citizens can pool resources and act collectively
Another check on the government--keep close tabs on what the government is doing
Interest groups compete with each other, placing limits on the lengths each can go

6. Hard to tell who/how many are represented
Criticisms
Too much influence
Hard to tell who/how many are represented
Don’t always represent the people they say they do
Use unethical practices

7. Types of Interest Groups
Business groups
National Association of Manufacturers (1895)
Chamber of Commerce of the US (1912)
Promote business interests
Labor Groups
AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor/Congress of Industrial Organizations)
Organization of workers who want policies to benefit workers

8. Types of Interest Groups
Agricultural groups
American Farm Bureau (1919)
Want policies to benefit farmers and agribusiness
Professional groups
AMA, ABA, NEA
Occupations that require specialized training

9. Types of Interest Groups
Groups that promote causes/ideas
ACLU (1920)--fights to protect civil rights
League of Women Voters
Groups that promote the welfare of other groups
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, NAACP
Work to advance interest of these groups

10. Types of Interest Groups
Church related groups
National Council of Churches (Protestant Group)
Groups working for the public good
aka Public Interest Groups
Common Cause--represents Americans as consumers
League of Women Voters

11. Influencing Public Opinion
Interest groups provide public with information
Interest groups build a positive image for a group
Interest groups promote a specific public policy

12. Lobbying
All the means by which pressure is brought to bear on legislators and the legislative process
Lobbyist -- people who try to persuade officials to do the things the interest group wants them to do

13. Meeting with representative Use of grass roots pressure
Lobbying
Many Include
Meeting with representative
Use of grass roots pressure
Providing information to Congress
Testifying before Congress
Drafting bills
Providing election support
Publishing ratings/rankings on members of Congress

14. Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
4. Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act 1946 all lobbyists must register with the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
Must identify their employer, report salary/expenses, and file quarterly reports

15. Propaganda Techniques
Defined as technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individuals or groups
Name Calling
Liberal, Communist
Card Stacking
Present all of the good and none of the bad

16. Propaganda Techniques
Testimonials
Use prominent person to endorse
Bandwagon
Everyone else is doing it
Plain folks
Just like you