Unit 6 - Interest Groups & Social Movements

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8 Terms

1

Frame/Framing

Framing refers to the way information is presented to influence perception and interpretation. It shapes public opinion, political discourse, and decision-making by highlighting certain aspects while downplaying others. Frames are used in media, politics, and advocacy to construct narratives that align with particular interests or ideologies. Cognitive and rhetorical strategies play a role in framing, affecting how individuals and groups understand complex issues. It is central to agenda-setting, persuasion, and shaping policy debates by emphasizing specific values, problems, and solutions.

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2

Group, Institutionalized Interest


An institutionalized interest group is a long-established organization that consistently engages in political advocacy to influence policy decisions. These groups have stable structures, professional leadership, and sustained resources, allowing them to exert long-term influence. Examples include labor unions, business associations, and professional organizations like the American Medical Association. Institutionalized interest groups often maintain close ties with policymakers and use lobbying, legal action, and public campaigns to shape legislation, regulations, and policies that align with their members’ interests.

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3

Group, Interest

An interest group is an organization that seeks to influence government policy without directly seeking electoral office. These groups represent specific social, economic, or ideological interests and advocate for policies that benefit their members or causes. Interest groups use lobbying, grassroots activism, media campaigns, and litigation to achieve their goals. They range from business and labor groups to environmental and civil rights organizations. Interest groups play a crucial role in democracy by mobilizing support, providing expertise, and influencing decision-making.

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4

Group, Issue-Oriented Interest


An issue-oriented interest group focuses on advocating for a specific cause, policy, or social issue rather than representing broad economic or professional interests. These groups often form in response to pressing concerns, such as climate change, human rights, or healthcare reform. Unlike institutionalized interest groups, they may have temporary structures and fluctuate in influence based on public attention. Examples include Greenpeace, Black Lives Matter, or anti-abortion organizations. They engage in activism, lobbying, and public awareness campaigns to push for change.

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5

Group, Public Interest


A public interest group advocates for policies that benefit society as a whole rather than specific individuals or businesses. These groups promote causes like environmental protection, consumer rights, social justice, and government transparency. Unlike self-interest groups, they do not seek direct material gains for their members but rather broader societal improvements. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Public Citizen exemplify public interest groups. They influence policy through lobbying, litigation, education campaigns, and grassroots activism to address systemic issues.

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6

Group, Self-Interest

A self-interest group prioritizes policies that serve the direct economic, political, or social interests of its members. These groups advocate for benefits such as tax cuts, subsidies, legal protections, or favorable regulations. Examples include corporate lobbying organizations, trade unions, and professional associations like the National Rifle Association (NRA). Unlike public interest groups, they focus on securing advantages for a specific constituency rather than broader societal concerns. Their strategies include lobbying, campaign contributions, legal action, and direct negotiations with policymakers.

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7

Lobbying


Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence government officials and policymakers to enact, modify, or reject legislation or regulations. It is conducted by individuals, interest groups, corporations, and advocacy organizations. Lobbying tactics include direct communication with legislators, funding research, mobilizing public opinion, and making political donations. It is a key mechanism in representative democracy, allowing various stakeholders to present their concerns. While lobbying can enhance democratic participation, it also raises concerns about unequal influence and potential corruption in policymaking.

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8

Social Movement


A social movement is a collective effort by a large group of people to achieve political, social, or cultural change. These movements emerge in response to perceived injustices or societal needs and use protests, demonstrations, advocacy, and media campaigns to influence public opinion and policymakers. Examples include the Civil Rights Movement, feminist movements, and climate activism. Social movements can be reformist, seeking gradual change, or radical, aiming for structural transformation. Their success depends on mobilization, leadership, public support, and institutional responses.

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