Interest Groups

Chapter 17 of Unit 5 AP Government and Politics

Unions

Any organization of workers that collectively bargain and tend to support Democrats with campaign contributions and grassroots lobbying.

Faction

What James Madison in Federalists No. 10 would have called an Interest Groups. By the way, you cannot eliminate them, only lessen their negative impacts with a large republic.

AARP

Acronym - largest membership (perhaps most powerful) interest group. Hey Congress - do NOT even think about cutting Social Security or Medicare.

Earmark

A part of a budget bill that interest groups lobby for. It is specifically geared for a pet project in a member’s district/state. This is also called pork barrel spending.

Medicare

Thanks to the AARP and the fact that senior citizens vote like crazy, Social Security and (blank) are not going to cut anytime soon!

Staff

Interest Groups often hire lobbyists who have worked as (blank) members for Senates or other politicians. That’s how you can become a lobbyist.

Lobbyists

Hired by interest groups to supply persuasive info to legislators.

Grassroots

Any lobbying done by common folk such as the NRA or AARP members writing letters to their Senator about a particular issue.

Canada

This country (north of us) has universal/single-payer health care system. Health insurance companies are generally opposed to this.

Pluralism

Theory that policy making is the result of competition amongst different groups (e.g. AARP v. Business Interests v. Constituents). Compromise is necessary and no one group is a decisive winner.

Parties

Some argue that the growth of interest groups has led to the decline of political (blank)

Dark Money

Money spent by groups such as 527/501c groups or SuperPACs do not have to disclose their sources (unlike campaigns) to the FEC. Citizens Unlimited 2010 allowed for these groups to spend limitless amounts on political advertising.

NAACP

Grassroot Interest Groups - brought the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit!

Trade

Economic Interest Groups that represent an entire industry (e.g. bankers, soybean farmers, or oil producers) are (blank) associations.

PAC

Branch of Interest Groups that raises ad funds to donate to election campaigns.

Litigation

Fancy term for bring a lawsuit (e.g. Brown v. Board of Education) - a tactic of interest groups especially the NRA, NOW, and NAACP.

NRA

Powerful grassroots pro-gun interest group

Iron

An informational association of federal agency, congressional committee, and interest group that is said to have heavy influence over policy making is known as a (blank) triangle.

AMA

American Medical Association - Its purpose is to advance the interests of physicians (e.g. to limit malpractice lawsuits), done largely through campaign contributions.