Special Interest Groups

Groups advancing specific viewpoints or interests use lobbying and other methods of persuasion to influence political policies and decisions. They often have the financial resources to make contributions.

Research special interest groups in U.S. politics using your textbook, online library resources, and the Internet. Based on your research, respond to any one item below:

• Many successful interest groups are associated with highly educated, upper-income groups. Which voices of less educated and lower-income groups do you think have the strongest impact on American opinions and on decision makers?
• Compare the political parties’ impact on the government with the impact of interest groups.

Write your response in 150–200 words.