What are all the organizations that you and your family members are a part of?

Interest Groups

Any organization that seeks to influence public policy.

Three Types of Interest Groups

1. Single – Issue 2. Social Action 3. Economic

Single Issue Interest Groups

National Rifle Association (NRA)

Right-to-Life

Social ActionInterest Groups People for the

Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

National Organization for Women (NOW)

Sierra Club

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Protect religious and civil rights, defends the Bill of Rights; to combat bigotry

Economic Interest Groups

Labor Unions AFL-CIO

Chamber of Commerce

Economic Interest Groups Professional

Associations American

Medical Association

American Bar Association

Agriculture National Grange

Functions of Interest Groups

provide information to legislators and the public (most significant role)

Influence public policy

Ex: AAA provides highway death figures when the speed limit is increased

Incentivesto join Interest Groups Material Benefits

Discounts Money Special services to

members only Travel Free items

Tactics of Interest Groups

Tactics hold rallies stir/start legislation Lobbying raise money $$ for candidates/parties use persuasive propaganda Pay for Issue Ads- Educating the voter to

the “cause”

What is Lobbying??

Interest group representatives speak directly with lawmakers to influence them.

Lobbyists have tremendous power Origin: British reps once crowded into

the lobbies outside legislative chambers of Parliament to speak with lawmakers

Types of Lobbying

“grassroots” A movement started and carried

out by people at a local level, not by professionals

EX) petitions, protests, letters – MADD Why effective? Power of the vote-

many people Don’t have to disclose

contributions $$$$

Types of Lobbying

“professional” Companies hire professional

lobbyists to speak to officials Ex. Tobacco companies hire people

to persuade officials to oppose laws damaging to the tobacco industry.

Why should you hire a lobbyist?

Professionals know the cause. Have the trust of legislators

(building relationships & their good reputation is their job).

Know how to play the game & who the key players are.

http://youtu.be/R2DUM6jVasw

Types of Lobbying Astroturf Lobbying Big businesses pretending to be

grassroots organizations so they don’t have to disclose who pays them. Ex.“Big Tobacco” sends out letters with self-

addressed envelopes to people with the hope that they will sign their names to the letter and mail it back. You will be on their mailing list FOREVER!!!!

http://youtu.be/bhC05iXzN6M

How do interest groups raise money $$$ ???

PAC = Political Action Committee set up by interest groups to raise $ for

candidates and parties

Ex) VOTE-COPE- NY teachers union PAC EMILY’s List- supports female candidateshttp://youtu.be/d9cpHLN-sqQ

How do interest groups raise money $$$ ???

Individual Campaign contributions are limited to $2,300 per election, but PAC’s can give $5,000 to a candidate or $15,000 to a party.

PAC’s can also run their own “issue ads” on TV.

http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/summ.php?disp=D

Hard Money vs. Soft Money

The limited $2,300 per election amount is called “hard” money and goes directly to the candidate running for office.

Candidates can use this $ to run ads supporting their candidacy.

“I am Barrack Obama and I approve this message”.

Soft Money Unlimited $$$ raised and spent by

interest groups on their own ads. “527” interest groups and some

PAC’s can run “issue ads” w/ soft $. Such "issue ads" won't explicitly tell you

to elect or defeat a particular candidate, but the group's view of the candidate's stance on their issue is clear.

Highly controversial due to corruption.

http://youtu.be/h2ldKf9kNy4

Why are there so many interest groups in America? Constitutional Protection- First

Amendment (free speech & assembly).

Pluralistic Society- many different political, social, and economic interests.

Rising costs of political campaigns.