The Outside Effects on Politics: Interest Groups

Subject Areas: US Government

Grade Level: 11-12 (ages 16-18)

Time: One or possibly two 50-minute class periods.

Lesson Objective:

Common Core State Standards

Content Standard C15.0 - The Political Process - Students describe the roles of
political parties, elections, interest groups, media, and public opinion in the
democratic process
d.
C15.[9-12].3 Evaluate the significance of interest groups and public
opinion in the political process of a democratic society.

Overview:
This lesson will examine interest groups and how they influence politics. Students will be able to
explain what an interest group is and how they are able to affect the different branches of
government. Students will reflect on whether interest groups wield too much power. Students
will examine the multiple roles and forms of lobbyists. Students will consider the differing
opinions on whether interest groups are good for America.

Preparation:
• This lesson requires the students to have access to a textbook that has a section on interest
groups, media, and the evolution of media.
• The easiest way to do this will be to make a PowerPoint to have the students be able to
reference as I am lecturing.

Lesson:
PP Slides
1. Introduction to Interest Groups and Media. This slide will state what the students will be
learning and the objectives of the lesson.
2. Definition of Interest Groups. This slide will explain what an interest group is
3. The Role of Interest Groups in America. This slide will show how interest groups use
lobbyists to achieve their goals.
4. The Four Theories of Interest Groups. This slide explains the Pluralist, Hyperpluralists,
Demosclerosis, and Power Elite Theory that define most thought towards interest groups
and how effective they are.
5. The types of Interest Groups: This slide examines the three types of Interest Groups:
Business Groups, Labor Groups, and Trade/Professional Associations.
6. Difference between Citizen and Public-Interest Groups. This slide goes over the various
benefits that interest groups can offer citizens.
 7. The History of Interest Groups. This slide will talk about the initial explosion of political
advocacy in the 1960s.
8. The different roles of Lobbyists. This slide (possibly two slides) will explain the
differences between researchers, witnesses, position takers, coalition builders, and social
butterflies.
9. The type of Lobbyists. This slide will explain the difference between single-firm
lobbyists, trade associate lobbyists, and independent lobbyists.
10. Iron Triangles. This slide will explain the connection between Congress, Interest Groups
and the Bureaucracy.
11. Lobbyist in Action (Judicial Branch). This slide will explain lobbyist intervention in
judicial matters and amicus curiae briefs.
12. Lobbyist in Action (Legislation). This slide will explain lobbyist intervention in
Congress.
13. Concerns about Interest Groups. This slide (and possibly the following) will explain the
four main concerns: accountability, restricted access, corruption, and division and
demosclerosis.
14. Defenses for Interest Groups: mobilizing and organizing the public, stability, more
democratic representation, and communication/information.
15. Summary of the interest groups and the key ways they affect politics.

Adaptations/Extensions
• Prior to this lecture, can conduct a survey of the students to find out who they believe is
the most influential interest group.
• After this lecture, can assign students to use opensecrets.org, and research how much
certain interest groups actually spend on politics.
• Can assign students a study guide to prepare for the chapter test.