This document discusses interest groups and their functions. It defines interest groups as groups of citizens who share common interests and try to influence policy. It then outlines different types of interest groups and discusses their common goals, such as addressing threats, leveraging resources, and effective leadership. The document also examines interest groups' relationships with the state and their roles in representation, participation, education, and agenda building.

1. PO 375
Fall 2016

3.  Interest groups are groups of citizens who:
 (1) Share common interest
 (2)Try to influence policy
 What are some types of interest groups?
 Proactive Interest Groups
 Reactive Interest Groups
 Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Groups

4.  Common Problem orThreat
 “There is a disturbance in the Force…”
 Example: NSF Funding for My Research!
 Resource Advantage
 Money, Membership Size, Leadership, Information
 Effective Leadership
 Importance of interest group entrepreneurs

5.  What is relationship with the State?
 Pluralism – Many groups; “marketplace of ideas”
 Corporatism – Relationship w/ groups, State

6.  Material Benefits
 Tangible rewards that members can actually use
 Solidary Benefits
 Derived from interaction and bonding with others
 Expressive Benefits
 Internal rewards; Being a part of worthy cause

8.  Representation
 Represent members’ views to institutions / agencies
 Persuading policymakers = Lobbying
 Participation
 People sharing interests can participate toward group goals
 Education
 Influence policymakers on relevant issues; brochures/publications
 Agenda Building
 Provision of Program Alternatives
 Program Monitoring – Deals with policy implementation

10.  Equal Opportunity Interest Groups
 Protects rights of disadvantaged groups
 Example: NAACP
 Public Interest Groups
 Groups advocating for public-at-large
 Government Interest Groups
 Foreign governments lobby to change policy

11. DIRECT LOBBYING
 “Inside Lobbying”
 Interaction with
decision makers in
government
INDIRECT LOBBYING
 “Outside Lobbying”
 Mobilizes interest
group membership /
general public to
contact govt. officials
on given issue