What are they?
True or False:
Interest groups share a common interest and use their collective strength in the political process to get what they want.
True
Which of the following is NOT a category of interest groups:
Economic, Self-interest, Public-Interest, Single-Issue
Self-interest
Give an example of in indirect technique used to influence legislator and impact public policy.
Setting up meetings with lawmakers to tell them about their interests
Assisting in drafting legislation
Organizing protests
Talking to media/running ads
Why were lobbyists seen as have an unflattering reputation with the public?
There is a history of their being paid solely to influence Congress or block laws from passing. They showered lawmakers with cash and gifts for favorable treatment.
True or False:
It is common for counter groups to form in response to an initial group
True
What types of groups would benefit from an economic interest group?
Business groups, labor organizations, and professional associations
How would filing lawsuits directly impact legislators or policies?
Trying to stop them from happening
Influencing those who don't want to go to court/can't afford lawyers
Can former members of Congress become lobbyists?
Yes, but not until one year after they leave government.
Why do interest groups often form? Give two examples.
To celebrate a common heritage, pursue a political or social agenda, shape policy, strengthen a profession, social movements
What size budgets do some economic interest groups. have?
Some have budgets between $25-$30 million
How might a "scorecard" issued by the League of Conservative Voters on how they rate the performance of members of Congress influence lawmakers?
They know what they vote on in Congress will be looked at and distributed so they will be aware of how that looks to voters.
The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1996 led to a dramatic increase of people registered as lobbyists. Give a reason why.
Before only paid lobbyists had to register with Congress
Before only those who directly contacted Congress had to register
Making donations to organizations tax deductible, exempting them from paying federal taxes, giving discounted mailing rates
Give an example (name) of a public interest group.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Citizens Works
Health Research Group
Greenpeace
National Wildlife Federation
Sierra Club
Give an example of an indirect technique interest groups use to influence legislators and shape policy.
write/phone/email legislators to tell concerns
mass mailings
advertising
Why do lobbyists need to disclose the bills they are working on and the amount of money spent?
To keep track of who is trying to influence things, to avoid foreign influence over policies
History question!
Tell how the Boston Tea Party is tied to an interest group
Sons of Liberty formed as a group committed to repealing unfair British laws. They orchestrated the Boston Tea Party.
Single-issue groups have one thing in common. What is an example of an issue that has caused a group to form?
Anti-Abortion
Pro-Choice