Interest Groups Chapter 11.3

Interest Groups vs. Political Parties Narrow interests Fund Candidates and lobby incumbents Try to steer legislation toward their interests Influence public policy Broad interests Seek donations to aid their candidates and incumbents Try to win elections

Types of Special Interest Groups • • • • Economic: Promotes the financial interest of its members.

– Labor unions, professional organizations, etc.

Social: Promotes fairness and equity for its members – Gender, Racial, age and other demographic groups Special Causes: Promotes awareness for an issue – Animal rights, gun rights, environment, etc.

Public: Promotes causes that benefit all – Consumer protection, voting access, etc.

Activities of Special Interest Groups • • •

Lobbying

– Define – Give examples

Election Activities

– PACs fund incumbents and other candidates partial to cause – Provide information/Run ads

Litigation

– File lawsuits to stop actions (injunctions) – Ask courts to use judicial review

Stir the Class

• • • • Using p. 19 with your homework, walk until music stops.

Exchange group information with the nearest classmate.

Try to get one of each type of special interest group.

Return to seat & discuss.

Reviews for tomorrow’s test • • • Complete Chapter 11 Review for p. 20.

Use the Unit 4 Essentials on p. 21 to go back through your notebook to study.

This test is thorough as the tests last quarter were. Get off to a good start this final quarter!