Who are Interest Groups?
The number of interest groups in the United States has been increasing rapidly over the past several decades. Who are some of these groups and what are the interests they try to protect?
Click on the images below to learn more about interest groups.
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Interest Groups
Political scientist categorize interest groups into four general policy areas; economic, environmental, equal rights, and consumer. These groups lobby or exert pressure on lawmakers to consider specific issues and formulate policy change. The outcomes of the actions of each group are ultimately interrelated. Pictured here is the 2005 March on Washington, sponsored by United for Peace and Justice. The organization demonstrates in hopes of bringing about policy change.
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Economic
A staggering seventy percent of all interest group organizations in Washington D.C. represent business. These business lobbyist generally fight regulations which threaten to reduce business profits. The main areas of interest for business lobbyist are taxes, subsidies, contracts, and labor law, which all control significant consequences for business profit margins. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, AFL-CIO, represents over 56 labor unions who have organized to protect workers. Shown here, a California chapter of the AFL-CIO protests what they believe to be unfair labor practices.
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Environmental
Environmental groups focus on preservation legislation, pollution control, wilderness protection, and other issues related to environmental protection. Groups such as the Sierra Club focus on conservation and sustainable living practices as well as protecting indigenous peoples. These organizations keep the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, whose logo is shown here, in line with public opinion and needs. These groups often find themselves at odds with corporate lobbyists who desire land rights, lenient pollution laws, and other legislation that is not in harmony with conservation efforts.
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Equal Rights
Equal rights groups seek to guarantee equal access for their community by providing a political voice. These groups are comprised of variously aged, ethnic, cultural, and sexually oriented groups. The National Organization of Women, NOW, continues to push for equal access to job opportunities, equal pay, and an end to sexual discrimination. Shown here, NOW organizers hold a protest at a Wal-Mart store in Alaska. Another powerful equal rights lobby is the ARRP, the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons. The organization lobbies for citizen members over the age of 50. The group focuses on many topics including Medicare, social security benefits, and long term care.
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Consumer
Consumer advocate groups lobby for public safety, product safety, and corporate accountability. The consumer movement was pushed forward by activist Ralph Nader, shown here speaking about public safety. One of Nader’s many contributions to consumer advocacy was his work Unsafe at Any Speed. Nader lobbied for safe vehicles and consumer rights. His work resulted in the passage of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act establishing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many consumer lobbyist and watch groups keep tabs on toy companies, drug manufacturers, and a wide variety of products and businesses in order to protect the public.
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Other Voices
Other special interest groups work to protect the vulnerable that have difficulty speaking for, or can not speak for, themselves. Advocates represent and speak on the behalf of children, the autistic, the homeless, the mentally ill, the incarcerated, as well as many other under-represented groups. The Child Welfare League of America or CWLA is currently struggling to protect child services during economic crisis. The American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, works to guarantee a voice for everyone. Pictured here, Howard Simon, of the ACLU, speaks at a human rights rally in Florida.
