Interest Group Review

Interest Group Review

What is the pluralist theory?

What is a PAC?

Why have PACS increased since 1970’s?

What is the difference between a PAC and a 527/501 group?

Name that PAC

What is the NEA and who does it represent?

Name that PAC

• What is AFSME and who does it represent?

Name that PAC

• AMA?

• What is the ACLU?

What is a public interest law firm?

• What is the Heritage Foundation?

• What is the Progressive Policy Council?

• What does a Think Tank do?

Name five things Interest Groups do to influence government.

Influence of IG’s

• Lobbying politicians– Testify before committee hearings– Contacting politicians one-on-one– Help draft legislation

• Educated in the public on issues– Think Tank research disseminated– Advertising– Cooperate with other interest groups

Influence of IG’s

• Ratings of politicians– On websites– In group newsletters/magazines

• Campaign donations/assist in elections

• Start a lawsuit to challenge law or policy

• Protest/demonstration

Single Issue Groups

Name some gun related IG’s

• NRA (pro 2nd amendment)

• Brady Campaign

Name at least 2 abortion related interest groups.

• Emily’s List

• NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League)

• NRLC ( National Right to Life Committee)

• American Life League

Types of Groups

• PACS– Formed due to government regulation of businesses

with campaigns and elections– Greatly increased due to more reguation since 1970s

• Public Interest Law Firms• Think Tanks• Ideological (usually single issue)

– Came from social movements in 60’s and 70’s • Civil rights• environmental

Types of Groups

• Economic (professional, business, labor, agriculture)– National Association of Realtors– AMA– NEA– National Trial Lawyers Association

• Government Related– “Intergovernmental” – one of the fastest growing segments of

IG’s– AFSME – American Federation of State County and Municipal

Employees– National Governor’s Association– National Conference of State Legislatures