Interest Group Organization

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?