Influence and Impact of Interest Groups in US Politics

1. CHAPTER 9 Political Interest Groups

2. DO NOW…Define these words • Public policy • Public affairs • Trade associations • Labor unions • Public interest groups • Propaganda • Single-interest groups • Lobbying • Grass roots

3. Focus Interest Groups offer Americans an important means of influencing U.S. public policy. They are formed around many issues, such as public interest, social issues and economics.

4. Who do Interest Groups Influence?

5. What is the difference between Interest Groups and Political Parties?

6. What the pros and cons of Interest Groups?

7. What are the different types of Interest Groups?

9. How do Interest Groups Work? Interest groups reach out to the public for three purposes

10. How do Interest Groups Achieve their Goals?

11. Use of Propaganda • Goal is to create a particular belief. • Begins with a conclusion and uses information to support the conclusion. • Ignores information to disprove conclusion. • Often attacks other beliefs through name-calling or by discrediting other viewpoints by presenting only one side of the argument (card-stacking) • Mud Slinging – making other candidate look bad • Uses symbols and labels to produce results • “American”, “fair”, “just” • Testimonials – TV stars and athletes

12. How do Interest Groups Impact Political Parties? • They recognize the role of political parties in selecting their policy makers • They try to influence their behavior • Some interest groups form political action committees (PAC’S) to raise campaign funds for candidates they think will further their goals • PAC’S raise a significant amount of money for political candidates

13. What are PAC’s?

14. Influencing Elections • Keep close ties with major political parties • Major source of campaign funding • Create PAC’s (political action committees): groups set up to donate money to political campaigns • Interest groups cannot legally donate money to campaigns. • Corporations and Unions also cannot donate to campaigns.

15. What are Lobbyists? • Interest groups apply pressure to lawmakers by lobbying. • Also called “legislative counsel” or “public representatives” • Must know legislative process • Use many techniques • Send reports, articles and other favorable materials to lawmakers • Testify before committees

16. Direct Methods: Personal contact with legislators most effective Providing expertise to legislators or other government official Offer “expert” testimony before congressional committees for or against proposed legislation Assisting legislators or bureaucrats in drafting legislation Follow up: legislation carried out Election Support Can take part in the political parties campaign Members can run for office Urge members to vote for candidate Threaten withdrawal of their votes Provide money through PAC’s Indirect Methods: Using public opinion. If the public favors a group’s ideas, a legislator is more likely to listen Mobilizing constituents; write letters or make calls to show support of opposition Brining lawsuits Influencing Judicial Appointments Staging Demonstrations What are Lobbyists?

17. Regulations • 1946: Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act – lobbyists must register with the the House and Senate • Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995: all individuals who seek influence any member of Congress must disclose basic personal information about themselves, their lobbying activities, and their clients. • States also regulate the activities of lobbyists

18. How are Interest Groups different from Public Opinion? • Interest groups are policy specialists • Focus on only a handful of key policies • More tightly organized • Financed through dues and contributions • Try to influence the outcome of elections, but do not compete for public office

19. Open Secrets.org • OpenSecrets.org is your nonpartisan guide to money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy. Whether you’re a voter, journalist, activist, student or interested citizen, use our free site to shine light on your government. Count cash and make change.