This document discusses interest groups and their role in American democracy. It defines interest groups as organizations that work to influence government policies and programs on issues that are important to their members. While interest groups can promote political participation and representation, not all interests are equally represented. The document also describes different types of interest groups, how they attract members, and the strategies they use to influence government, such as lobbying elected officials directly or mobilizing public support for their issues.

1. Clicker QuestionDo you currently have political INTERESTS?A. YesB. No

2. Clicker QuestionAre you currently a member of an INTEREST group?A. YesB. No

3. Interest GroupsCHAPTER 11 – INTEREST GROUPSS

4. What is an Interest Group?An interest group is a group of people that organizes to be heard and influence government programs and policies. More narrow in focus (exclusive) than political parties – involve themselves in policies not personnel.

5. Clicker QuestionDo you agree or disagree that political interest groups are good for American democracy? a. Strongly agree b. Agree c. Disagree d. Strongly disagree

6. Interest Groups and DemocracyInterest groups represent the interests of their members, encourage political participation, enhance democracy, educate and mobilize voters, lobby, and monitor governmental activity. However, not all interests are represented equally; their politics can sometimes work to the advantage and disadvantage of others. Pluralism – The theory that all interests ARE and SHOULD be free to compete for influence in the government.

7. Types of Interest GroupsBusiness and Agricultural – Economic Sectors, Large Corporations, Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau Federation… Labor – AFL-CIO, United Mine Workers, National Education Association, Teamsters…Professional Associations – AMA, ADA, ABA, American Bankers Association…Public Interests – Sierra Club, Common Cause, ACLU, NRAIdeological Groups – People for American Way, Christian Coalition, Tea Party PatriotsPublic-Sector Groups – National League of Cities, Brookings Institution, CATO Institute, universities,

8. Clicker QuestionWould you join an Interest Group focusing on the right of Undergraduates? a. YES b. NOWhat would this group focus on?

9. Potential Interest GroupsMany public policy “interests” are not organized into “groups.” either because no one has organized them or because there is no way to organize the group.Examples: Undergraduates, Tall People, Left-Handed People, The Homeless, Sex-Offenders…The Elderly were a “potential interest” until AARP was founded in 1958.

10. Clicker QuestionALL “interests” present in society should be free to organize and attempt to influence the government. a. Strongly agree b. Agree c. Disagree d. Strongly disagree

11. Clicker QuestionSex-Offenders should have the right to organize and influence the government? a. Strongly agree b. Agree c. Disagree d. Strongly disagree

12. Overcoming Free-RidingSo, how do you get people (with common interests) to organize into a group?ANSWER: Give’em Stuff!Selective Benefits1. Informational – GPSA, Journal of Politics2. Material – National Geographic Magazine, AAA3. Solidary – People like me…4. Purposive - GreenPeace

14. Who Joins?Interest group membership is not random! People with higher incomes, higher education levels, and management or professional occupations are more likely to be group members than those in lower socioeconomic levels.

16. Clicker QuestionWhat does an Interest Group need MOST to be powerful?A. MoneyB. Good Selective IncentivesC. A large membershipD. A clear message

17. What Makes an Interest Group Powerful? 1. Resources, Resources, Resources 2. Size 3. Leadership 4. CohesivenessThe most effective groups like the NRA and AARP have all of these.

19. Clicker QuestionIn grassroots mobilization, interest groups:A. deal directly with just junior members of Congress B. file suits in state and local courts C. deal directly with lower-level bureaucrats D. attempt to involve the general citizenry and voters

20. Interest Group StrategiesSometimes we classify the strategies of interest groups as INSIDER or OUTSIDER – the key difference is ACCESS.Lobbying (Access) - INSIDERUsing The Courts - BOTHMobilizing Public Opinion - BOTHUsing Electoral Politics - BOTH

21. Interest Groups use both DIRECT and INDIRECT strategies to influence elected officials.

22. Clicker QuestionDo you believe former members of Congress should or should not be allowed to lobby their former colleagues? A. Allow former members of Congress to lobby B. Do not allow former members of Congress to lobby