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Chapter 18: Interest Groups & Public Opinion

Chapter 18: Interest Groups & Public Opinion. Section 1: Interest Group Organization What are some of the differences between political parties & interest groups? Support but do not nominate candidates. Concerned with a small number of issues-more issue focused.

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Chapter 18: Interest Groups & Public Opinion

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  1. Chapter 18: Interest Groups & Public Opinion Section 1: Interest Group Organization What are some of the differences between political parties & interest groups? Support but do not nominate candidates. Concerned with a small number of issues-more issue focused. Organized on the basis of common values rather than geographic location-usually.

  2. Section 1 Interest Group Organization contd. • In regard to political power what old principle do interest groups hold? “There is strength in numbers!” Why is this a relative concept? Is this old principle ever wrong in regard to interest groups?

  3. Leadership & Membership • In what ways do interest group leaders strengthen the political power of their groups? • Why do people join interest groups?

  4. Leadership & Membership • Labor-related groups & unions support workers, collective bargaining, & voter registration & political organization for pro-labor candidates. • Business interest groups usually lobby for lower individual and corporate taxes & limited government regulation of business

  5. Section 2: Affecting Public Policy • What/who are lobbyists? • What kinds of people are lobbyists? • What are the key roles of lobbyists for government?

  6. Section 2: Affecting Public Policy Carton from: www.politicalhumor.com

  7. Section 2: Affecting Public Policy Carton from: www.politicalhumor.com

  8. Section 2: Affecting Public PolicyThe Rise of Political Action Committees (PACs) • Prior to 1971 wealthy individuals, corporations, and unions could give as much money as they wanted to candidates and groups. • New regulations were passed in the post-Watergate spirit of reform. • 1971 Federal Election Campaign Act • 1976 Supreme Court ruled any independent group may give money to a candidate as long as the group does not have legal ties to that candidate. • In recent elections how have PACs affected the conduct or outcomes of elections? Examples?

  9. Section 2: Affecting Public PolicyThe Rise of Political Action Committees (PACs) • McCain-Feingold-Cochran Campaign Reform Bill-2002 • A Ban on Soft Money. Ban all soft money contributions to national political parties from corporations, labor unions, and wealthy individuals. • McCain-Feingold-Cochran would also double the amount of "hard" money individuals may contribute to state parties for use in federal elections, from $5,000 to $10,000.

  10. Section 3: Shaping Public Opinion • Personal background & life experiences exert important influences on opinion formation in six key areas: • Family & Home Influences • Schools • Peer Groups • Social Characteristics • Mass Media • Other Influences?

  11. Section 4: Measuring Public Opinion Picture from www.wikipedia.org

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