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American Government

American Government. Chapter 7 Interest Groups. What is an Interest Group ?. An organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers Examples? (p.229) Can social movements lead to the formation of interest groups (i.e. NOW)?.

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American Government

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  1. American Government Chapter 7 Interest Groups

  2. What is an Interest Group? • An organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers • Examples? (p.229) • Can social movements lead to the formation of interest groups (i.e. NOW)?

  3. Types of Interest Groups • Economic (most common type)- business groups, agricultural, labor interests, etc. • Interest groups employ lobbyists, people who actively seek to influence legislation and the administrative decisions of government

  4. Other Types • Environmental- been active since the 1900s • NWF • Sierra Club • Public Interest (the best interests of the overall community, the national good) • Ralph Nader has dedicated much of his life to forming interest groups meant to champion consumer interests (i.e. auto safety) • Common Cause, which helped get the 26th Amendment passed to allow 18-year-olds to vote among other things Other groups focus on single issues, examples?

  5. Lobbyist Activities • Engaging in private meetings with public officials • Testifying before congressional committees for or against proposed legislation • Testifying before rulemaking agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission • Assisting legislators and bureaucrats draft legislation • Socializing • Providing political information to legislators • Supplying nominations for federal appointments to the executive branch

  6. Indirect Activities of Interest Groups • Generating public pressure (mass mailings, television ads, demonstrations) • Using constituents as lobbyists (convince average citizens to write, phone or email their elected officials) • Others (rallies, marches, civil disobedience) Can you think of any examples of these unconventional forms of pressure in American history? • Boycott is a frequently used method (an organized refusal to purchase a particular product, utilize a service, or engage in business with a particular company)

  7. Can you think of any reasons why interest groups in general and lobbyists in particular might not be appreciated? Why might they be a negative influence on ordinary citizens? • Assignment: Look up an interest group on the Internet. What is their mission? How long have they been active? Is there any criticism against them?

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