A group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government Defining Interest Groups Interest groups support candidates who favor their ideas Interest groups are concerned with only a few issues or specific problems They do not try to gain the support of members with different points of view Organized on the basis of common values Not geographical areas Purpose of Interest Groups Bridging the gap between citizens and the government Citizens communicate their wants or policy goals through interest groups Political Power Strength in numbers Local Safety Association Interest Groups on the state and national level exert influence far beyond the power of individual members Leaders keep members informed of group activity through newsletters, mailings, and telephone calls They act as speakers for the group They plan strategy, raise money, and make financial decisions A group may help promote and individuals economic self-interest An individuals beliefs, values, or attitudes Nonpolitical, perhaps social function People with lower socioeconomic levels are less likely to join such groups Membership tends to come from upper income levels Most common and effective Business-Related Interest Groups Among oldest and largest in the nation NAM works to lower individual and corporate tax Labor-Related Interest Groups AFL-CIO (largest) UAW, UMW, Teamsters Represent almost 6 million farmers Amer. Farm Bureau Federation Large farms National Farmers Union Smaller farmers favor price supports Commodity Associations Dairy, potato growers, etc. Professional Associations ABA, AMA Environmental Interest National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club Public-Interest Groups Work towards the interest of ALL Americans Interest Groups in Government National Governors Association