A group of people who share common goals
and organize to influence government
Defining Interest Groups
Interest groups support candidates who favor their
ideas
Interest groups are concerned with only a few issues
or specific problems
They do not try to gain the support of members with
different points of view
Organized on the basis of common values
Not geographical areas
Purpose of Interest
Groups
Bridging the gap
between citizens and
the government
Citizens
communicate their
“wants” or policy
goals through interest
groups
Political Power
Strength in numbers
“Local Safety
Association”
Interest Groups on
the state and national
level exert influence
far beyond the power
of individual
members
Leaders keep members informed of group
activity through newsletters, mailings, and
telephone calls
They act as speakers for the group
They plan strategy, raise money, and make
financial decisions
A group may help promote
and individual’s economic
self-interest
An individuals beliefs,
values, or attitudes
Nonpolitical, perhaps social
function
People with lower socioeconomic levels are less
likely to join such groups
Membership tends to come from upper income
levels
Most common and
effective
Business-Related
Interest Groups
Among oldest and largest
in the nation
NAM works to lower
individual and corporate
tax
Labor-Related Interest
Groups
AFL-CIO (largest)
UAW, UMW, Teamsters
Represent almost 6 million farmers
Amer. Farm Bureau Federation
Large farms
National Farmers Union
Smaller farmers – favor price supports
Commodity Associations
Dairy, potato growers, etc.
Professional Associations
Environmental Interest
National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club
Public-Interest Groups
ABA, AMA
Work towards the interest of ALL Americans
Interest Groups in Government
National Governors Association
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