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Interest Groups
nInterest Group –An organization
that seeks to influence public policy.
nLobby –A group that attempts to
influence government decisions,
especially legislation.
nLobbyist –A person who engages
in lobbying.
History of Interest Groups
nI. National Groups (1830 –1889)
nFirst national interest groups
•Social Groups
•Anti-slavery movement
•Business Groups
•Railroads
•Oil Companies
History of Interest Groups,
continued
nII. Progressive Era (1890-1920)
nOrganized Labor
•AFL-CIO
nBusiness Groups & Trade Associations
•National Association of Manufactures
•Chamber of Commerce
nIII. Modern Groups (60s & 70s)
nCentered around social concerns
•Civil rights movement
•Women's rights movement
