January 6, 2016
AP US Govt
Interest Groups-Basics AND
Types
http://votesmart.org/interest-groups/WA/#.VoxK1G6rGez
Objective: Examine and
understand the differing types and
functions of Interest Groups
Quick Interest Group Intro
Definition: interest groups
Madison’s Dilemma (Federalist #10)
Definition: pluralism/hyperpluralism/elite-class
Reasons for growth of interest groups
Basic Functions
1. Origins:
1. Federalist #10
2. 1st Amendment
3. Failure of Govt.
2. Change-Policy
3. vs. Political Parties
4. Growth
1. Political Parties
2. Technology
3. Diversity
I.
Economic Groups
1. Goal:
2. Types:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Agricultural: American Farm Bureau
Labor: AFL-CIO, UAW, Teamsters (Local…)
Business: Trucking, Railroad
Professional: AMA, ABA
II. Equality
1.
2.
3.
4.
Goal:
Good Ol’ Boys
Glass Ceiling
Examples:
1. NAACP, NOW, MALDEF
III. Single
Issue Groups
1. Goal:
2. Examples: NRA, MADD, NORML, PETA,
PETA
IV. Environment
1. Goal:
2. Examples:
1. Environmental Groups:
1. Sierra Club
2. Wilderness Society
3. National Wildlife Federation
V. Consumer/Public Interest
1. Goal:
2. Examples:
1. Consumer Product Safety
2. Toys
3. Auto
4. ACLU
Lobbying (tactic/strategy)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHiicN0Kg10
-Jack Abramoff-super lobbyist
1. How do lobbyists get public policy changed?
2. How do lobbyists advance American
democracy?
3. How do lobbyists pose a threat to democracy?
4. Why will major change most likely never take
place regarding lobbyist’s access to
politicians?