INTEREST GROUPS

will also spend time communicating with those who will listen. Because these groups are associated with large, government-operated organizations, they must follow strict guidelines.The most widely recognized type of interest group is referred to as associational. This is what most people envision when they picture a typical interest group. There are two different distinctions within this group: economic and noneconomic. Both of these types of groups are the backbone of interest groups. Economic groups rally around a shared economic interest, such as unions, truckers association, ect. A noneconomic group supports a non-profit organization, or a related cause, such as NAACP, environmental groups, ect. Noneconomic groups have a larger impact on policy making than economic groups. This is because the American parties tend to “straddle the fence” on issues more so than in other countries. Interest groups have many tactics in approaching legislators in their district. It depends on the amount of power they wield and the amount of money they have. Many interest groups will put most of their money and effort into a political election campaign, hoping that getting a certain party or politician elected will promote their cause in the long run. Sometimes the groups’ experts are their greatest assets. For instance, having a doctor on board while trying to pass medical policy, or having a scientist’s opinion in a policy concerning an environmental issue, can be very beneficial. One way an economic group can influence policy is by threatening to disrupt the economy by withholding its contributions. This is often referred to as a “strike.” Everyone is familiar with how they work, and they are quite effective. Interest groups will also use the media to their advantage, by swaying the popular opinion, consequently affecting a vote. One tactic that is not used often is violence and rioting. Interes...