Chapter 18: Interest Groups &
Public Opinion
Section 1: Interest Group Organization
• What are some of the differences
between political parties & interest
groups?
1. Support but do not nominate candidates.
2. Concerned with a small number of issuesmore issue focused.
3. Organized on the basis of common values
rather than geographic location-usually.
Section 1 Interest Group Organization contd.
In regard to political power what old
principle do interest groups hold?
“There is strength in numbers!”
Why is this a relative concept?
Is this old principle ever wrong in
regard to interest groups?
Leadership & Membership
In what ways do interest group
leaders strengthen the political
power of their groups?
Why do people join interest groups?
Leadership & Membership
Business interest
groups usually lobby
for lower individual
and corporate taxes
& limited
government
regulation of
business
Labor-related
groups & unions
support workers,
collective
bargaining, & voter
registration &
political organization
for pro-labor
candidates.
Section 2: Affecting Public Policy
What/who are lobbyists?
What kinds of people are lobbyists?
What are the key roles of lobbyists
for government?
Section 2: Affecting Public Policy
Carton from: www.politicalhumor.com
Section 2: Affecting Public Policy
Carton from: www.politicalhumor.com
Section 2: Affecting Public Policy
The Rise of Political Action Committees (PACs)
Prior to 1971 wealthy individuals, corporations,
and unions could give as much money as they
wanted to candidates and groups.
New regulations were passed in the postWatergate spirit of reform.
1971 Federal Election Campaign Act
1976 Supreme Court ruled any independent
group may give money to a candidate as long
as the group does not have legal ties to that
candidate.
In recent elections how have PACs affected the
conduct or outcomes of elections? Examples?
Section 2: Affecting Public Policy
The Rise of Political Action Committees (PACs)
McCain-Feingold-Cochran Campaign
Reform Bill-2002
A Ban on Soft Money. Ban all soft money
contributions to national political parties from
corporations, labor unions, and wealthy
individuals.
McCain-Feingold-Cochran would also double the
amount of "hard" money individuals may
contribute to state parties for use in federal
elections, from $5,000 to $10,000.
Section 3: Shaping Public Opinion
Personal background & life experiences
exert important influences on opinion
formation in six key areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Family & Home Influences
Schools
Peer Groups
Social Characteristics
Mass Media
Other Influences?
Section 4: Measuring Public Opinion
Picture from www.wikipedia.org