Transcript Focus
CHAPTER 9 Political Interest Groups DO NOW…Define these words 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Public policy Public affairs Trade associations Labor unions Public interest groups Propaganda Single-interest groups Lobbying Grass roots 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. Who do Interest Groups Influence? Federal level Influences public policy goals State level Interest Group Influences actions taken by political leaders Local level What is the difference between Interest Groups and Political Parties? Political Parties • Care mostly about who takes part in government Interest Groups • Care mostly about what the government does – especially on select issues Pros Cons Stimulate interest in public affairs and issues that concern the people at large Critics say they have more influence than they deserve based on the worth of their causes or the number of people they represent Offer a chance for people to participate in politics and connect with others who share their views Difficult to tell exactly how many people an interest group represents Provide useful information to the government leaders who may not be familiar with all the issues Some interest groups do not represent the views of all the people they claim to represent Since they compete with each other, they limit extremes Interest groups can draw too much attention to an issue with aggressive behavior, thus causing politicians to cater to special interests Keeps close tabs on government What are the different types of Interest Groups? Many Americans belong to several organizations that meet the definition of an interest group Labor Unions Trade Associations Political Economic and Social Cause Groups Religious Interest Groups Public Interest Groups Interest groups Work for the whose members “public good” – Promote certain Interest groups are workers who try to represent religious formed by one hold similar jobs Promote groups all the people in interests like segment of the or work in the like veterans, the country on Right to Life, issues that affect business same industry. taxpayers, Jewish Ex. Police elderly, us all like voting community. Ex. Defamation Banking Industry Officers, protection of the rights, consumer League Teachers environment rights, fresh water Purpose Example Promote business American Bankers Association Organize Labor Fraternal Order of Police Promote professions American Medical Association Promote social programs Veterans of Foreign Wars For the public good League of Women Voters How do Interest Groups Work? Propaganda The technique of persuasion aimed at influencing behaviors to create certain beliefs These beliefs may be true, false or partly true 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 How do Interest Groups Impact Political Parties? What are PAC’s? PAC’S Single Interest Groups that concentrate their efforts on one issue They work for or against a candidate based only on his or her stand on that one issue Influencing Elections • Keep close ties with major political parties • Major source of campaign funding – Create PAC’s (political action committees): groups set up to donate money to political campaigns – Interest groups cannot legally donate money to campaigns. – Corporations and Unions also cannot donate to campaigns. What are Lobbyists? • Interest groups apply pressure to lawmakers by lobbying. • Also called “legislative counsel” or “public representatives” • Must know legislative process • Use many techniques – Send reports, articles and other favorable materials to lawmakers – Testify before committees 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 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 Regulations • 1946: Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act – lobbyists must register with the 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 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 Open Secrets.org • OpenSecrets.org is your nonpartisan guide to money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy. 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