INTEREST GROUPS7th Grade CivicsMiss Smith*pgs. 278-281

WHAT IS AN INTEREST GROUPInterest groups- organizations of people with a common interest that try to influence government policies and decisions

Not the same as a political party, but seeks to influence the gov.

More concerned with public policies

TYPES OF INTEREST GROUPSBusiness associationsLabor unionsFarm organizationsTeacher’s associationsConsumer groupsSome groups are economically focused, some are issue-oriented, some promote the issues of the public

LOBBYISTS INFLUENCE GOVERNMENTLobbyists present their arguments to Congress. After listening to all sides of an issue, Congress makes its decision

LOBBYISTS WORK WITH CONGRESSThey argue for bills they support and against bills they oppose

Ask members of Congress to sponsor billsMay help write billsGov. officials often pick the brains of lobbyists to find out what issues are affecting certain interest groups

LOBBYISTS INFLUENCE PUBLIC OPINIONPlace advertisements to support their positions

Promise to help gov. officials in their election campaigns

Urge citizens to send letters/emails to gov. officials

All in hopes that public support will influence lawmakers’ decisions

INTEREST GROUPS AND POWERLobbyists must register:Indicate whom they work for and how much money they spend on their lobbying efforts

Some people think that only the interest groups with a lot of money or power are listened toThis means groups representing the disadvantaged are often ignored