AP GOV/POLITICS
Unit 3: Ch. 10 Interest Groups
Study Guide
Angel
Standards:
1. Distinguish the differences between interest groups and political parties.
2. Describe the different types of interest groups.
3. What are the factors that make an interest group successful?
4. Explain the techniques interest groups use to try to shape public policy.
5. What are subgovernments (iron triangles)? What role do these networks play in the formation
of public policy?
6. Explain pluralist and elite interest group theory. What did James Madison have to say about
interest groups in Federalist #10? How relevant is Madison’s discussion of the “mischiefs of
faction” to an analysis of contemporary interest groups?
TERMS:
Interest group
Pluralist theory
Elite theory
Sugbgovernments (iron triangles)
Free rider
Single issue group
Lobbying
Electioneering
PAC
Amicus curiae brief
Class action lawsuit
AP GOV/POLITICS
CH. 10—INTEREST GROUPS
LECTURE NOTES
ANGEL
Interest Groups: organizations dedicated to a particular political goal or to a set of unified
goals. Group members often share a common bond—religious (Christian Coalition), racial
(NAACP), professional (Am. Medical Assoc.), or issues (Sierra Club) to name some examples.
Interest groups are LINKAGE INSTITUTIONS—they link citizens with the government.
Other linkage institutions are the media and political parties.
Interest groups allow a person to magnify his/her preferences and voice on candidates and issues.
Like political parties, interest groups try to influence the outcome of elections and legislation.
Unlike political parties, however, they do not nominate candidates, nor do they normally try to
address a wide range of issues.
Categories of Interest Groups
Economic groups: business groups—U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of
Manufacturers (examples)
labor groups—AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers
professional organizations—American Bar Association
These groups tend to be well funded and have large constituencies. They are usually the
most powerful interest groups in Washington, D.C.
Public Interest groups: nonprofit groups organized around public policy issues
consumer issues—Common Cause and Public Citizen (Ralph
Nader’s group)
environmental issues—Sierra Club
National Rifle Assoc. (NRA)
National Right to Life
Many members of these groups are more likely than other voters to use a single issue as a
litmus test for candidates. A candidate who advocates gun control runs the risk of losing
the votes of all 3 million NRA members.
Government groups: governor’s association, mayor’s association, etc.
Activities of Interest Groups Used to Shape Public Policy
Interest groups use many tactics to persuade Congress, the President, the Judiciary, and federal
bureaucrats:
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Electioneering—helping to get candidates elected, mobilizing voters
Direct lobbying—meeting with government officials to suggest legislation and provide
facts and research regarding their positions
Testifying before Congress—expert witnesses
Political donations—corporations, trade groups, and unions are forbidden by law to make
donations, but get around the law by forming PACs to make donations
Court actions—class action lawsuits and/or amicus curiae briefs
Helping to draft legislation—providing expert and technical information to legislators
regarding public policy
Rallying their membership—getting members to write, phone, fax, email legislators in
support of a piece of legislation
Propaganda—press releases, advertisements, etc.
Socializing—parties, political events, and social functions where lobbyists forge
relationships with government officials
Endorsements—this includes ratings based on voting records—a high rating constitutes
an implicit endorsement
Limits on Lobbying
Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, 1946:
 Lobbyists must register with the government
 Lobbyists must publicly disclose their salaries, expenses, and the nature of their activities
Buckley v. Valeo, 1976:
 Former legislators must wait one year before lobbying Congress directly; however, they
may lobby the executive branch immediately. They may also work as consultants to
interest groups.
Former legislators working as lobbyists and using the connections they made as government
officials is known as the revolving door.
Federal Election Campaign Act, 1971 and 1974
Corporations, unions, and trade associations are forbidden from donating directly to candidates;
however, they may form PACs as a means of raising funds for donations for campaigns.
Restrictions on PACS:
 Must raise money from at least 50 contributors
 Must donate to at least five different candidates
 May not donate more than $5000 per year to any single candidate
The Supreme Court has likened lobbying and interest group activities to free expression, and
therefore they are constitutionally protected.
PACs contribute predominantly to incumbents who are likely to win reelection, hoping thereby
to purchase access to legislators in the next Congress.