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INTEREST GROUPS

Interest groups are organizations of individuals united by shared interests, aiming to influence public policy without seeking election. They serve various functions, including stimulating interest in policy, representing members' views, providing information to politicians, facilitating political participation, and maintaining a system of checks and balances. However, they face criticism for promoting specific agendas that may not represent the broader public. Well-organized and funded groups often have more influence, which can lead to concerns about ethics and equal representation.

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INTEREST GROUPS

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  1. INTEREST GROUPS • An interest group is a group of like-minded individuals who encourage or prevent changes in public policy without trying to be elected.

  2. INTEREST GROUPS • Functions: • Stimulate interest in public policy. • Represent members based on interests / attitudes (not geography – like elected officials). • 3. Provide information to the government (politicians). • 4. Act as a vehicle for political participation. • 5. Act as a check and balance for politics. • 6. Competitively balance each other. • DO NOT NOMINATE CANDIDATES

  3. INTEREST GROUPS • Criticisms: • Interest groups push their own agenda, which is not always in the best interest of most Americans. • 2. Better organized + better funded = more influence. • 3. Some groups use bribes, threats, etc. to accomplish their goals.

  4. INTEREST GROUPS • What are interest groups you’ve heard of? • http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/kfountain/alpha.html

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