Topic 3: Interest groups Flashcards
1
Q
What are interest groups?
A
Groups that represent a particular interest or cause in society and seek to influence policy.
2
Q
What are the three types of interest groups?
A
- Policy groups - attempt to influence a whole policy area e.g. American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
- Professional groups - represent the economic interests of their members e.g. the American Medical Association (AMA).
- Single-interest groups - advocate policy around a single, specific issue e.g. the National Rifle Association (NRA).
3
Q
Why are interest groups so significant in the USA?
A
- 1st amendment protects their rights
- Many access points to different branches of government - e.g. Congress.
- Many elections = many opportunities to influence candidates at local, state and federal level.
- Politicians are open to persuasion because politicians do not feel the pressure to vote within party lines; interest groups can also monitor the voting record of politicians.
4
Q
A