Interest Groups Lobbying Congress
Vocabulary
Advocacy group-an organization that attempts to influence public opinion and policy through
lobbying, media campaigns, research, polls and policy briefings (Also called lobby groups,
interest groups and special interest groups)
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)-an interest group with both for-profit and
non-profit affiliated organizations, and over 40 million members, representing one of the most
powerful lobbying groups in the U.S.
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)-the
largest federation of unions in the United States with over 11 million members constituting one
of the most influential groups lobbying Congress on economic policy
Capital gains taxes-fees charged on profits incurred from selling assets that were purchased at a
lower price
Depreciation-the decline in the value of assets
Grassroots lobbying-interest groups mobilizing the public to take action on their behalf, usually
resulting from a widespread public concern (also known as “indirect lobbying”)
Interest groups-associations or organizations of persons sharing a common political interest
Lobbying-conducting activities aimed at public officials as an attempt to influence legislation or
gain support for a special interest
Markup-the process of amending or rewriting proposed legislation
National Rifle Association (NRA)-a non-profit organization with nearly 4 million members
advocating for Second Amendment protections
U.S. Chamber of Commerce-the world’s largest business federation, representing more than 3
million businesses as well as state and local chambers and industry associations