Interest groups are organizations whose members share views and objectives and work to influence public policy. They lobby on issues, educate the public, and shape debates. Though sometimes seen as having too much influence, they represent diverse interests and can mobilize grassroots support. Major interest groups include business, labor, agricultural, and professional associations as well as causes around civil rights, the environment, and religious or public interests.

1. What are
they?
INTEREST What do they
do?
GROUPS
Why are they
important?
What are
some major
interest
groups?

2. WHAT IS AN “INTEREST GROUP”?
 Organizations whose members have shared views
and objectives and work to affect public policy.
 Pressure Groups
 Special Interest Groups
 Are they evil?
 Do they have too much influence?

3. WHAT DO INTEREST GROUPS DO?
Lobbying
 Letter Writing
 Phone Calls
 Raise Money
 Contribute Money
 Testify
 Educate and Inform
the Public
 Engage in Public
Debate

5. WHY ARE INTEREST GROUPS
IMPORTANT?
 Their interests are dif ferent from the interests of the
American people as a whole
 Can shape public opinion
 Can mobilize at a “ grass roots” level
 Influential in Congress
 Iron Triangle

6. WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR
INTEREST GROUPS?
Business Groups Causes
 National Restaurant - ACLU
Association
- Sierra Club
 Chamber of Commerce
Promote Specific Groups
Labor Groups
- NAACP
 AFL-CIO
- AARP
 NEA
Religious Organizations
Agricultural Groups
- Anti-Defamation League
 The Farm Bureau
- Christian Coalition
 National Farmers Union
Public Interest Groups
Professional Groups
- League of Women Voters
 American Medical
Association - Common Cause
 American Bar Association

7.  https://www.youtube.com/watc h? v=o DeBuhIQdYk