Chapter 18, Section I
Page 503

A group of people who share common goals
and organize to influence government

“In no country of the world has the principle of
association been more successfully used, or applied
to a greater multitude of objects, than in
America….In the United States associations are
established to promote the public safety, commerce,
industry, morality, and religion” – Alexis de
Tocqueville, 1835

Defining Interest Groups


Interest groups support candidates who favor their
ideas
Interest groups are concerned with only a few issues
or specific problems
 They do not try to gain the support of members with
different points of view

Organized on the basis of common values
 Not geographical areas

Purpose of Interest
Groups


Bridging the gap
between citizens and
the government
Citizens
communicate their
“wants” or policy
goals through interest
groups

Political Power

Strength in numbers
 “Local Safety
Association”

Interest Groups on
the state and national
level exert influence
far beyond the power
of individual
members



Leaders keep members informed of group
activity through newsletters, mailings, and
telephone calls
They act as speakers for the group
They plan strategy, raise money, and make
financial decisions



A group may help promote
and individual’s economic
self-interest
An individuals beliefs,
values, or attitudes
Nonpolitical, perhaps social
function


People with lower socioeconomic levels are less
likely to join such groups
Membership tends to come from upper income
levels


Most common and
effective
Business-Related
Interest Groups

Among oldest and largest
in the nation
 NAM works to lower
individual and corporate
tax

Labor-Related Interest
Groups

AFL-CIO (largest)
 UAW, UMW, Teamsters

Represent almost 6 million farmers

Amer. Farm Bureau Federation
 Large farms

National Farmers Union
 Smaller farmers – favor price supports

Commodity Associations
 Dairy, potato growers, etc.

Professional Associations


Environmental Interest


National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club
Public-Interest Groups


ABA, AMA
Work towards the interest of ALL Americans
Interest Groups in Government

National Governors Association