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Influence of Interest Groups on U.S. Public Policy

Learn about the impact of interest groups on U.S. public policy, the difference between interest groups and political parties, and the pros and cons of interest group influence. Explore the various types of interest groups and how they work. Discover how interest groups achieve their goals through propaganda and lobbying, and their effect on political parties. Understand the role of political action committees (PACs) and lobbyists. Explore regulations and differences between interest groups and public opinion.

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Influence of Interest Groups on U.S. Public Policy

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  1. 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.

  2. Who do Interest Groups Influence?

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

  4. What the pros and cons of Interest Groups?

  5. What are the different types of Interest Groups?

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

  7. How do Interest Groups Achieve their Goals?

  8. 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

  9. Do Now The Constitution guarantees people the right to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances. That is the basic goal of interest groups – to address the government for what they perceive as grievances. Can you think of an interest group TODAY that is assembling to address the government for what they believe is wrong?

  10. 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

  11. What are PAC’s?

  12. What do PACS do? Raise money from special interest constituents and donate hard and soft money to political parties and candidates.

  13. What do Lobbyists do? Lobbyists provide interest groups with specialists to advance their causes and influence policy making Lobbying is a protected activity under the U.S. Constitution that guarantees rights to free speech, assembly, and petition to government.  Lobbying is a regulated industry

  14. 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 What are Lobbyists?

  15. What are Lobbyists? 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

  16. Regulations • 1946: Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act – lobbyists must register with 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

  17. 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

  18. What did we learn? • Interest groups represent the many “publics” in society • They DON’T nominate candidates like parties • They DO influence officeholders • They can be economic, occupational, environmental, public good and minority issues • Lobbyists and PAC’S are the most criticized part of political process • A lot of money is spent on getting attention to the issues these groups represent. • Interest groups have aroused suspicion as factions since the beginning of this country • They do whatever they can to influence candidates for their group • PAC’S raise money to help influence issues • Lobbyists provide interest groups with specialists to advance their causes and influence policy making • Soft Money can provide candidates with a lot of money because it is often overlooked – recent regulation limits the amount of soft money allowed.

  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.

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