Interest groups AP gov

Interest groups

Role of interest groups

To represent people who share the same interest or concerns like business, labor or enviormental issues

Interest groups goal

To make laws & policies that benefit their members

Pluralism & Hyperpluralism

Both focus on interest groups and whether enough they have too much or too little power

Pluralism

Sees interest groups as healthy for democracy

Hyperpluralism

Sees interest groups as harmful

Elitism

Argues power is unequal, unlike pluralism which assumes equal competition

Why are successful interest groups effective

They are well organized and have money members and influence

Strategies interest used by interest groups

Lobbying, campaign support, public pressure, grassroot action, and court action

Strategies interest groups are effective because…

Can give law makers info., show public support & help groups gain access to decision making

Ex of interest groups

Business, Labor unions, environmental groups, and civil rights groups

What did the framers do?

Tried to control interest groups by dividing power in gov. They created separation of powers, checks, and balances, and federalism so no single group could easily take control