CHAPTER 9The Nature of Interest Groups

Private organizations whose members share certain views and work to shape public policy.

“pressure groups”, “special interests”, “organized interests”

Found at all levels of government

Interest Groups

Does NOT nominate candidates.

Interested in controlling the policies of government.

Interested in only those issues directly affecting its members.

Private

Nominates candidates.

Interested in controlling gov’t by winning elections.

Interested in whole range of policy issues.

Accountable to public.

Interest Group vs. Political Party

1. Stimulate interest in public affairs.2. Unite people in different geographical

areas.3. Provide useful, specialized, and detailed

information to government.4. Act as a vehicle for like-minded citizens to

pool resources and channel energy.5. Add another element to the checks and

balances system.6. Opposing groups keep issues balanced.

Valuable Functions of Interest Groups

1. Some groups have influence far out of proportion to their size or value to the public good.

2. Hard to tell just how many people each group represents.

3. Some groups represent only a small minority of their members.

4. Some use deceitful, even illegal tactics.

Criticisms of Interest Groups

Business groups – trade associations Labor groups – labor unions Professional groups – AMA, ABA, NEA Public Interest Groups

◦ Seek to institute certain public policies of benefit to all or most people whether they belong to the group or not.

Types of Interest Groups

A technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors to create a particular belief, regardless of its validity.

Interest groups use propaganda to create the public attitudes they want.

Propaganda

Interest groups use PACs to attempt to influence candidates, parties, and elections by raising and distributing money to candidates who will further their goals.

Single-interest groups (abortion, gun control, or health care) have grown most rapidly.

Political Action Committees - PACs

Those activities by which group pressures are brought to bear on legislators and the legislative process.

Lobbyist – A paid representative of an interest group.

Lobbying