Interest Groups and Political Influence

What is an interest group?

• A group of people who put money in banks to earn interest.

• An organized group of people who ask the government to make certain policies.

• A group of friends who meet to discuss politics.

• A political party that tries to get people elected.

What are two main things interest groups do to work with the government?

• They try to get people elected and raise money for campaigns.

• They shape policies and provide information to elected officials.

• They write laws and punish people who break them.

• They organize protests and hold public meetings.

Which part of the government do interest groups usually try to influence the most?

• The Supreme Court

• The President (Executive Branch)

• Congress

• The Bureaucracy

Why do interest groups also try to influence the bureaucracy?

• Bureaucrats are easier to convince than members of Congress.

• Interest groups can provide information that government agencies might not have.

• Bureaucrats are often running for re-election and need support.

• The bureaucracy has more power than Congress.

What is the main job of a PAC?

• To organize parties for politicians.

• To collect and give money for political campaigns.

• To help people find jobs in the government.

• To teach people about history.

Why did James Madison think having many different groups in politics was a good idea?

• It would make elections more exciting.

• It would help one group become very powerful.

• It would make sure no single group had too much control.

• It would make it easier to pass laws quickly.

How do interest groups help people get involved in politics more often than just during elections?

• They only allow rich people to join.

• They help people push for policies they care about all the time.

• They make sure everyone votes in every election.

• They stop people from talking about politics.

What is a problem with how interest groups work in America today?

• They make politics too simple.

• They only care about small local issues.

• Wealthy groups often have more influence than other groups.

• They make it harder for people to vote.