Topic 3: Interest groups

Question 1

What are interest groups?

Answer 1

Groups that represent a particular interest or cause in society and seek to influence policy.

Question 2

What are the three types of interest groups?

Answer 2

1. Policy groups - attempt to influence a whole policy area e.g. American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
2. Professional groups - represent the economic interests of their members e.g. the American Medical Association (AMA).
3. Single-interest groups - advocate policy around a single, specific issue e.g. the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Question 3

Why are interest groups so significant in the USA?

Answer 3

1. 1st amendment protects their rights
2. Many access points to different branches of government - e.g. Congress.
3. Many elections = many opportunities to influence candidates at local, state and federal level.
4. 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.