interest groups

What are they?

What do they do?

Why are they important?

What are some major interest groups?

INTEREST

GROUPS

Organizations whose members have shared views and objectives and work to aff ect public policy.

Pressure GroupsSpecial Interest Groups

Are they evil?Do they have too much influence?

WHAT IS AN “INTEREST GROUP”?

LobbyingLetter WritingPhone CallsRaise MoneyContribute

MoneyTestify

Educate and Inform the Public

Engage in Public Debate

WHAT DO INTEREST GROUPS DO?

Their interests are diff erent from the interests of the American people as a whole

Can shape public opinionCan mobilize at a “grass roots” level Influential in Congress Iron Triangle

WHY ARE INTEREST GROUPS IMPORTANT?

Business GroupsNational Restaurant

AssociationChamber of Commerce

Labor GroupsAFL-CIONEA

Agricultural GroupsThe Farm BureauNational Farmers Union

Professional GroupsAmerican Medical

AssociationAmerican Bar Association

WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR INTEREST GROUPS?

Causes- ACLU- Sierra Club

Promote Specific Groups- NAACP- AARP

Religious Organizations- Anti-Defamation League- Christian Coalition

Public Interest Groups- League of Women Voters- Common Cause

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeBuhIQdYk