Political Parties vs. Interest GroupsInterest Group: Individuals who organize to influence the government’s programs and policies

Political Parties1. Nominate candidates to run for elective office

2. Focus on a broad range of issues to appeal to a wide range of the electorate

3. Compete for control of the legislative branch by trying to win the majority ofthe seats in Congress

Interest Groups1. May support certain candidates for office, but they do not nominate their own candidates

2. Often take a narrow focus on a specific issue, such as gun control, abortion, or the environment

3. Compete for influence over elected officials so that the elected officials decide public policy issues in the interest group’s favor

People join or create special interestgroups to encourage laws that suitthem. Special interest groups rangein size from one to millions. Theyrepresent businesses, faiths, regions,or ideologies.

Interest groups alert thenews media to issues and provide information in an attempt to influence public opinion.

Interest groups advisemembers on the policiesand voting records of politicians so they canvote for the lawmakersthat support their views.

Interest groups hire lobbyists to persuade lawmakers to support the group’s goals and ideas.

Lobbyists develop contacts to ensure they can reach key lawmakers.They persuade lawmakers to adopt theinterest group’s views, provide theinformation on the effects of specificlegislation and may help write bills.They sponsor opinion polls to demonstratesupport for an issue. They also helplawmakers raise campaign funds.

Lobbyists persuadepolitical parties toadd interest group’sissues to the partyplatform and arrangefor soft moneycontributions to bemade to the party.

Lobbyists alert interest groups to proposed legislation that affects them and reports lawmaker’s positions on key bills.

Parties give extra campaign support to candidates incrucial races.

A few well-known interest groups…

MADD Mothers Against Drunk DrivingNOW National Organization for WomenAARP American Association of Retired PeopleNAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored PeopleNRA National Rifle AssociationNEA National Education AssociationABA American Bar AssociationAMA American Medical AssociationNARAL National Abortion Rights Action LeagueNRLC National Right to Life CampaignNORML National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

League of Women Voters * US Chamber of Commerce Sierra Club * World Wildlife Federation * Human Rights Campaign ZPG * PETA * Christian Coalition * Common Cause * AFL-CIO

Interest Groups vs. Political Action Committees (PAC)Political Action Committee: A private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns

Interest Groups1. Often take a narrow focus on a specific issue, such as gun control, abortion, or the environment

2. Compete for influence over already elected officials so that they decide public policy issues in the interest group’s favor

3. CANNOT give money to candidates (only influence)

Political Action Committees1. Often take a narrow focus on a specific

issue, such as business or labor practices

2. Compete for influence over the election process, so that candidates who support the PAC’s issues will get elected

3. CAN give money to a candidate