Interest Groups AP Government Chapter 11 Interest Groups

Interest Groups AP Government Chapter 11

Interest Groups ■ Groups that want to influence policy ■ Not so concerned with elections ■ Tend to be 1 sided and single issue ■ Are a source of information and aid with checks/balances

3 Reasons/Explanations for their Existence ■ Many opinions, publics (cleavages) ■ Large number of openings in government for them to exist ■ Parties interest do not address their

Why ask Why? ■ Have been around since 1800 ■ Large increase since 1960’s ■ As govt. programs expand so do entrances for IG’s ■ Ex—Progressives, Civil Rights

Types of Interest Groups ■ Institutional—rep. other interests ■ Membership—believe in the cause ■ Incentive—solidarity, material, purposive ■ Ideological—set of beliefs ■ Public—interests benefit all (non -members too)

Social Groups ■ Progressives ■ Civil (unions) Rights ■ Gay rights/Equal Rights ■ Environment

Show me the Money… ■ Most are privately funded Grants, membership dues (direct mail) The government provides funds Federal grants Ex-Faith-based initiatives

REMEMBER!!! ONE SIDE OF ONE ISSUE They are BIASED!!!

What good are they? ■ Source of information (credible) ■ Checks and balances ■ Get people involved ■ Not geographically limited

What’s so bad about it? ■ Perception of illegal activities ■ BIAS ■ Cannot tell their size (1 vs. 100) ■ Their side might only help a few (Private vs. Public)

How do they do it? ■ Grass roots lobbying ■ Professional lobbying ■ Marketing/Advertising ■ Rate Your Politician ■ Propaganda techniques

Show me the money… ■ Need cash to support their cause/side ■ Use PAC’s ■ Form iron triangles

Who are they? ■ Average Joe’s to professionals are members ■ Lobbyists used to persuade Congress --usually former politicians (revolving door syndrome)

Controlling Interest Groups ■ 1 st Amendment allows them to exist (all are free to pursue an issue) ■ The government tries to control them a bit --Keep the corruption label in line

Laws ■ Must register with House/Senate ■ Must give H/S list of “clients” ■ Disclosure of finances ■ What “their” issue is ■ Contribution $ limits ($5, 000)