1. Day 1: Why are interest groups so prominent in the American political arena?

2. Interest Groups Interest groups are organizations of people who share a common interest or goal that seek to influence the making of public policy. A synonym for an interest group is a lobby. Examples of interest groups: – NRA – AARP – Sierra Club

3. Interest Groups Four reasons why interest groups are so common in U.S.: A. broad economic developments create new interests and redefine old ones. B. government policy helped create interest groups (ex: professional societies such as the AMA)

4. Interest Groups Four reasons why interest groups are so common in U.S.: C. Social movements led by entrepreneurs lead to interest groups D. The more activities government undertakes, the more interest groups will arise.

5. Kinds of Organizations 1.Institutional interests: individuals or organizations representing other organizations a.Concerned with “bread and butter issues” of concern to their clients

6. Kinds of Organizations 2. Membership interests: supported by the activities and contributions of individual citizens When the purpose of the organization, if attained, will principally benefit nonmembers, it is called a public interest lobby.