UNIT # 6 Taking Part in Government CHAPTER #17 Interest Groups, Public Opinion and Mass Media LESSON #1-2 Interest Groups and Influencing Public Policy.

UNIT # 6

Taking Part in Government

CHAPTER #17

Interest Groups, Public Opinion and Mass Media

LESSON #1-2

Interest Groups and Influencing Public Policy

-These are groups that share common ideas and attempt to sway government policy

-They apply pressure to the government by:1. Contributing to Campaigns2. Giving Testimony at Hearings3. Advertising4. Writing Letters to Lawmakers5. Staging Demonstrations

-There are three types of interest groups:1. Economic—who work to benefit

business, labor and farms2. Special Cause—who work for a particular

issue such as the environment, women’s rights or gun controlPage 1

Interest GroupsUNIT # 6

Taking Part in Government

CHAPTER #17

Interest Groups, Public Opinion and Mass Media

LESSON #1-2

Interest Groups and Influencing Public Policy

3. Public—work for all Americans, at issues like political fairness or public health

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(continued)UNIT # 6

Taking Part in Government

CHAPTER #17

Interest Groups, Public Opinion and Mass Media

LESSON #1-2

Interest Groups and Influencing Public Policy

Lobbying-Lobbyists make direct contact with members

of Congress and their staffs for the purpose of influencing laws or regulations

-Lobbyists get their name from the days when they would wait in lobbies of the Capital to talk to congressmen

-Lobbyists have their own business or are hired by interest groups

-They are often (however not always) former congressmen or members of the executive branch

-They have experience with, and friends in, Congress that helps them be resourceful and persuasive

-There are about 15,000 lobbyist in D.C.-Lobbying also occurs in state capitals

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(continued)UNIT # 6

Taking Part in Government

CHAPTER #17

Interest Groups, Public Opinion and Mass Media

LESSON #1-2

Interest Groups and Influencing Public Policy

-Lobbyist often meet with congressmen to explain their side of the story

-Often if an interest group made a contribution to a politician’s campaign, their lobbyist are ensured a meeting

-Lobbyist help interest groups apply pressure to the government

Lobbying Methods

-Lobbyist can even be involved in the bill writing process

-All lobbyist groups must register with the federal government

-Limits have been placed on the type and amount of gifts congressmen can accept

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(continued)UNIT # 6

Taking Part in Government

CHAPTER #17

Interest Groups, Public Opinion and Mass Media

LESSON #1-2

Interest Groups and Influencing Public Policy