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Interest Groups
Interest Groups*
Groups who share common interests on public issues
Want to shape public policy in their favor.
Interest Groups
Found in every area of government.
Our society is pluralistic and is not controlled by one single elite
All different groups are competing for power.
Interest Groups and Political Parties Parties nominate
candidates, interest groups support candidates*
Parties want to control government, I.G. want to control policy*
Parties concerned with range of issues, I.G. concerned only with issues that affect their members*
Interest Groups
Fear of factions Madison and the
Federalist #10 Separation of
Powers -- combats too much power for one group.
Economic Interest Groups*
Business Groups/Trade Associations (Chamber of Commerce)
Labor Groups (UAW)Agricultural Groups (The Grange)Professional Associations (ABA)
Other Interest Groups*
Issue Oriented- promote a cause or idea (ACLU)
Specific Group Oriented - promote welfare of a group (NAACP)
Religious Group Oriented (National Council of Churches)
Public Interest Group*
Work for the public good (LWV)
Interest Groups
Functions of Interest Groups
The GoodStimulate awareness of and interest in
public affairs
Represented on shared beliefs
Provide useful info to the government
Interest Groups
The GoodVehicles for political participation
Add to checks and balances
Interest Groups
The BadPush own special interests which may not
be in best interest of others
Influence out of proportion in size and importance
Hard to tell how large groups are
Interest Groups
The BadMay not represent views of all people for
whom they speak
Interest Groups
Lobbyists*: those who try to persuade public officials to do things the interest group wants them to do
Interest Groups
Direct Approach-Talk to govt. officials-Contributions-Bring lawsuits-Draft legislation-Influence agency and
judicial appointment
Indirect Approach-Use of advertising-Propaganda-Letters-Electioneering-Fundraising