INTEREST GROUP ORGANIZATION

Chapter 18, Section IPage 503

Interest Groups

A group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government

Power of Interest Groups

“In no country of the world has the principle of association been more successfully used, or applied to a greater multitude of objects, than in America….In the United States associations are established to promote the public safety, commerce, industry, morality, and religion” – Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835

Power of Interest Groups

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

Power of Interest Groups

Purpose of Interest Groups Bridging the gap

between citizens and the government

Citizens communicate their “wants” or policy goals through interest groups

Power of 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

Leadership and Membership

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

Reasons for Membership

A group may help promote and individual’s economic self-interest

An individuals beliefs, values, or attitudes

Nonpolitical, perhaps social function

Who Belongs?

People with lower socioeconomic levels are less likely to join such groups

Membership tends to come from upper income levels

Business and Labor Groups

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

Agricultural Groups

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.

Other Interest Groups

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

What are the characteristics of selected interest groups?