Interest Group Essay – Flashcards

private organization of individuals who have banded together because of a common cause or role. try to influence politicians to make public policy in line with their preferences. 2 indispensable ingredients: money and info

Furnish information to their members

Politicize and inform members of their groups as well as others

Mediate conflict within their groups

Engage in electioneering

Promote participation in the political process by reinforcing civic engagement

Business and Trade Groups. Organized and more resources. Operate through individual firms and trade organizations. Not opposed by labor, consumer, or environmental groups. Texas Association of Business - interests of firms and professionals in the same general field. The TAB seeks to maintain a good business climate for businesses to prosper and is effective due to organization, financing, and skilled lobbying

Agricultural Groups - have remained very important in Texas due to the rural areas that are overrepresented in the Texas legislature. Although urbanization has taken place on a large scale, agriculture groups have held onto power due to entrenchment, and they currently posses the skills and advantages of big business. An example of an agricultural interest group is the Farmers Market Coalition, which is advocating policies that would support the renewal of small and local agriculture.

Labor Groups - goal is to lobby for organized labor through organizations like The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Groups like the AFL-CIO have gained important reforms such as the 40 hour work week or minimum wage.

+Professional Groups - represent the interest of professionals such as doctors, teachers, and lawyers. +An example of a professional interest group is the American Medical Association, which promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health

+Public Interest Groups - represent the interests of the public that are not addressed by other groups such as labor or business. They usually deal with environmental policy, consumer protection, and public policies. +An example of a public interest group is the Sierra Club, which is based around protecting the planet and offers opportunities for local involvement, activism and outings