Interest Groups

Flashcards about Interest Groups

Interest group

An organization that tries to influence public policy

Madison’s reference to interest groups

He referred to them as factions in Federalist #10

Most durable source of faction, according to Madison

The unequal distribution of property

Why did Madison set up the U.S. system the way he did?

To control majority factions.

Five roles of interest groups

Representation, participation, education, agenda building, and program monitoring.

Interest group entrepreneur

Someone who sees a need and acts as a leader.

Types of economic interest groups

Business groups, labor unions, and professional associations.

Role of a Professional Associations interest group

represents the interests of people in a specific career field, advocating for policies that benefit their profession.

Role of a Public Interest/citizen interest group do

Looks out for the "public interest" and represents average Americans.

What are governmental interest groups made of?

Composed of elected or appointed officials.

Role of an ideological/single-issue interest group

Focuses on one issue.

Types of lobbying tactics used by interest groups

Direct lobbying and indirect grassroots lobbying.

Direct lobbying

Raising money and paying people to represent them before government.

Indirect grassroots lobbying

mobilizes the public to contact lawmakers and influence policy by showing broad voter support, rather than lobbying officials directly.

Goal of information campaigns

Educate the public, members, and legislators.\

Reasons for interest groups participating in coalition building

To promote their goals, overcome federalism, conserve resources and promote policy that benefits many groups.

What does Legal Action entail for interest groups?

Involves interest groups using the courts by filing lawsuits or submitting amicus briefs to influence policy or defend their interests.

Role of PACs (Political Action Committees)

Gain campaign contributions from group members and donate the money to funding candidates for political office who will benefit their group mission.