Social Studies

Interest Groups

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An interest group is an association of people who hold similar views or goals. Interest groups, also called advocacy groups, represent those views and goals and try to influence public policy and the public agenda to achieve them. Interest groups are especially important to people who feel their views are overlooked in policy discussions. Some people believe that interest groups hurt democracy, as politicians will cater to a narrow group of people to keep their support. However, interest groups represent a part of our American government that is not going away.

Interest groups…

• organize people who share common concerns
• provide members with a means of participating in government and politics
• supply information to the public and to policy makers

Many interest groups also have political action committees (PACs) that support candidates for political office who agree with the group's position on the issues. A political action committee is an organization created to raise and contribute money legally to the campaigns of political candidates.

Examples of Special interest groups:

• Labor Unions (UAW - United Auto Workers, NEA -National Education Association)
• Business groups (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• Issue-based groups (M.A.D.D.- Mother's Against Drunk Driving)
• Societal groups (AARP - American Association for Retired Persons)
• Professional groups (American Bar Association)
• Agricultural groups (American Farm Bureau Federation)

Interest groups function in several ways that influence government and policy

• They endorse candidates for certain political positions -These endorsements help get candidates votes from the interest groups constituents
• They lobby, or try to persuade a candidate to support their views
• Spread their position to constituents. This may occur through meetings, newsletters, websites, etc. Often done personally and at the local level.
• Lawsuits. Financially support cases that may help their cause or are important to the group

Interest groups have both benefits and negatives to the public and government. Interest groups give minority viewpoints a voice in politics. Interest groups can have a large influence regardless of membership size, which can be a negative. In 2007 Congress passed ethics and lobbying reform legislation. These new rules tightened House and Senate ethics rules for legislators and limited some types of activities by lobbyists.