Study GuideAmerican Government–Interest Groups1.Types of Interest Groups in the U.S.Aninterest group(or lobby) is an organization whose members share common concerns and try toinfluence government policy. Interest groups bring collective power to politics, complementing thevoice of individual citizens. There are multiple categories of interest groups,each with distinctpurposes and methods of influence.1.1 Economic Interest Groups•Represent business, labor, and professional organizations.•Examples:oBusiness:U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers(NAM)oLabor:AFL-CIO, International Brotherhood of TeamstersoTrade associations:American Public Power Association (APPA)oProfessionals:American Medical Association (AMA)Purpose:Influence policies that affect business operations, labor rights, and professional regulations.1.2 Public Interest Groups•Seek policy changes that benefit the general public rather than directly profiting themselves.•Often non-partisan in appearance, though they can engage in political campaigns.•Examples:League of Women Voters, Common Cause, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)Purpose:Promote transparency, consumer protection, environmental protection, and democraticparticipation.Preview Mode
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