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Interest Groups

Interest Groups. People organized into groups to promote their views on issues that concern them. Purpose Question(s). What purpose do interest groups serve? Do you believe they are a positive or a negative influence on the government? Explain. Functions of Interest Groups.

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Interest Groups

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  1. Interest Groups People organized into groups to promote their views on issues that concern them

  2. Purpose Question(s) • What purpose do interest groups serve? • Do you believe they are a positive or a negative influence on the government? Explain.

  3. Functions of Interest Groups • Organizing People who share a concern • Groups that have banded together to promote their common concerns include farmers, business people, workers, environmentalist, feminist, civil rights activist and students • Providing a means of political participation • Interest Groups allow citizens another way beside voting to take part in the political process • Supply information to the public and to policy makers • To inform the public about their concerns

  4. Types of Interest Groups • Agricultural Groups • American Farm Bureau was formed to represent the nation’s farmers • Business Groups • Chamber of Commerce to help control government regulation • Labor Unions • Workers have formed interest groups to gain better wages (AFL-CIO) • Professional Groups • Some profession like law and medicine use interest groups to represent their concerns • Societal Groups • Represent various ethnic groups and women including NAACP and NOW

  5. How Interest Groups Work • Participating in the electoral process • By endorsement - or public declaration of support for a candidate. • Support Candidates by setting up Political Action Committee to give candidates money for their election campaigns. • Trying to influence public opinion by using the media, demonstrating and protesting • Through Television advertising • Liberal Ad • Conservative Ad • Staging demonstrations to get media coverage for free

  6. How Interest Groups Work • Lobbying members of Congress and governmental agencies • Lobbyist provide information about the legislation they are interested. • Trying to persuade government policy makers to make a particular decisions regarding legislation. • Addressing their concerns through the legal system • Interest groups file lawsuits regarding their issues of concern. • NAACP using the courts to overturn the Jim Crow Laws (Brown vs. Board of Education - school segregation is illegal).

  7. Benefits of Interest Groups • Interest groups provide a voice for minority concerns not addressed by the two major political parties • Interest groups may promote the public good by increasing the awareness of officials and the public about its issue or concern

  8. Criticisms of Interest Groups • Financial Influence • Interest groups have long been accused of attempting to improperly influence officials through favors, entertainment and financial support (campaign contributions) • Excessive Power • Interest groups financial and ideological influence gives them two much control over government

  9. Purpose Question(s) • What purpose do interest groups serve? • Do you believe they are a positive or a negative influence on the government? Explain.

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