Download Chapter 9: Interest Groups

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________ Period: ______
Chapter 9: Interest Groups
Section 1: The Nature of Interest Groups
Main Idea: If you ever joined with others who share your views on an issue, you have
probably been a part of an interest group. You almost surely will be part of one or more
interest groups in the future. Interest groups provide an important way for Americans to
influence government policies.
What is an interest group?
The Role of Interest Groups
How do interest groups try to influence public policy?
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Identify and describe the three major differences between political parties and interest
groups.
1.
2.
3.
Interest Groups: Good or Bad?
Describe the valuable functions of interest groups.
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________ Period: ______
Describe the criticisms of interest groups.
Chapter 9: Interest Groups
Section 2: Types of Interest Groups
Main Idea: Most Americans are “a nation of joiners” – including joiners of interest
groups. Some of these groups are based on economic interests, some on other issues.
Some are public-interest groups, which seek to benefit all Americans.
Groups Based on Economic Interest
What is a business group, give examples?
Define trade association:
Define labor union:
Give modern examples of labor unions.
What is an agricultural group, give examples?
What is a professional group, give examples?
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________ Period: ______
Other Interest Groups
Give examples of groups that promote specific causes.
Give examples of groups that promote the welfare of certain groups.
Give examples of religious organizations.
Public Interest Groups
Define public-interest group:
Give examples of public interest groups.
Chapter 9: Interest Groups
Section 3: Interest Groups at Work
Main Idea: Flip through a newspaper or magazine and you will no doubt see examples of
interest groups at work – that is, using propaganda aimed at influencing public attitudes.
Interest groups also work through political action committees and lobbyists to influence
political parties and public policy.
Influencing Public Policy
Identify and describe the three major goals of interest groups



Propaganda
Define propaganda:
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________ Period: ______
How do interest groups use propaganda to persuade people to their point of view?
Affecting Public Policy
How do interest groups try to sway the decisions of political parties?
Define single-interest group:
Lobbying
Define lobbying:
What is the major task of lobbyists?
What techniques do lobbyists use as they try to persuade legislators and other policy
makers to share their points of view?
Identify the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act:
Why was the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act ineffective?
Identify the Lobbying Disclosure Act: