1. Interest Groups
Interest Groups
Ch. 18.1

2. Objectives
Discover why interest groups are powerful agents in influencing public policy. Explore the different categories of interest groups

3. Interest Groups
Interest Group – group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government. I. Power of Interest Groups A. Defining: 1. do NOT nominate candidates 2. focus on a few issues only 3. based on common values *What values were reflected in your chosen interest groups? (worksheet)
Factions

4. Interest Groups
B. Purpose 1. Connect citizens & government a. express desires to office holders C. Political Power “Strength in Numbers” 1. Financial a. influences politicians through $ 

5. Interest Groups
II. Leadership & Membership A. Facilitating the message B. Why join? 1. economic self-interest 2. beliefs, attitudes, values (reference worksheet) 3. nonpolitical reasons **who’s a member??? -usually the wealthy -this factors into the mindset that wealth runs the country.

6. Interest Groups
III. Business and Labor Groups A. Business Related Groups -limit government control -lower corporate taxes B. Labor Related Groups (i.e. AFL-CIO) -increase worker wages -increase worker benefits -push for welfare capitalism

7. Interest Groups
IV. Agricultural Groups (3 Major Groups) Group #1: American Farm Bureau Federation -large farmers advocacy group *close contact with Dept. of Agriculture Group #2: National Farmers Union & GRANGE -small farmers & migrant farm workers *advocates higher prices on crops & livestock Group #3: Commodity Associations -represent focused farming (i.e. dairy/potato)

8. Interest Groups
V. Other Interest Groups 1. Professional Associations a. specific professions i. (American Bar Association) NO LAYNE! -help to develop tests, etc. 2. Environmental Interest Groups (over 3,000) a. Conserving & Protecting wildlife & areas 3. Public-Interest Groups a. wide-scope policy goals to help all Americans ex.) Public Citizen Inc. - consumer protection