1. MIG # 8 What are Interest Groups?

2. Sodas & Schools Recently, Congress has discussed a federal ban on all junk foods in public K-12 schools. This would include any food with a high sugar or fat content. • Who would support such a law? Who would oppose it? • Discuss one way in which each of these groups might try to get Congress to vote in their favor. • Who do you think Congress would ultimately listen to? (How would they vote on this issue?)

3. IG’s vs. Parties • Interest Groups(aka Special Interests) • Private org designed to influence public policy (laws) • NOTpolitical parties: • Do not nominate candidates for office (but may support them) • Represent a small # of issues • IG often require dues

4. Types of IG’s • Economic Groups – majority of IGs • Businesses: represent the owners • Chamber of Commerce – represents small businesses • Vote no on 24! • Labor: represent the workers • AFL-CIO – largest worker union • http://www.aflcio.org/ • These 2 groups have conflicting interests

5. More Economic Groups C. Professional: represent pro. Groups • American Medical Association • ABA, CTA, ADA • http://www.ama-assn.org/ D. Agricultural: represent farmers • The National Grange • http://www.nationalgrange.org/legislation/alerts_updates/2008/ActionAlert18.htm

6. Other Groups • Causes • ACLU - freedoms • NRA – guns • http://www.nra.org/home.aspx • Greenpeace – environment • Groups • NOW: Women • NAACP: Minorities

7. C. Religion • Christian Coalition • http://www.cc.org/ • Public Interest: Serve the good of the nation • League of Women Voters • http://www.lwv.org/Election2008/index.html • Single Issue – groups are growing in # • NARAL: pro choice • Natl Right to Life: pro life

8. With so many groups competing for power, does any one group have a large influence on gov?

9. MADD AARP Rutherford Institute Chamber of Commerce ADA – dentists ABA – lawyers CTA – teachers NCLR PETA MALDF Natl Catholic Welfare Council Greenpeace Veterans of Foreign Wars Other Groups