Movers and Shakers

1. Movers and Shakers Interest Groups and the Power of “K” Street

3. In this lesson you will learn… • Of three powerful forces in Washington and how they shape laws and governance • The things that make these forces powerful • What these forces actually do

4. Force #1: Interest Groups • Interest Groups—people who share common policy interests or goals and organize to influence the government • Types of Interest Groups • Economic: AFL-CIO • Single issue: NRA, NAACP, NOW, NARAL, NRLC • Government: Chattanooga(?!) • Foreign governments: AI, Jamaica

5. Force #2: Lobbyists • Lobbyist—representative of an interest group • Lobbying—making direct contact with lawmakers or other government leaders to try to influence government policy • Origin of the term—Hang out in Congress’ lobbies

6. Lobbyist To-Do List • Schmoozing—To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.* • Public relations • Press conferences • Opinion pieces • Blogging • Providing useful information • Drafting Bills • Providing election support * Dictionary.com

7. Force #3: PACs • Political Action Committee—an organization specifically designed to collect money and provide financial support for political candidates • Purpose: The financial arm of interest groups • PACs are limited by how much money they can give to individual candidates • $5000 to a candidate

8. “Follow the Money” Top Ten PACs: Contributions to Congressional and Presidential Candidates During the 2000 Election Cycle Source: Federal Election Commission, 2001

9. 5 things that make some interest groups more powerful than others • Size • Unity • Leadership • Information and Expertise • Money