Interest Groups
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to...
- Identify three ways groups and organizations can influence the actions of government.
- Explain how individuals, public opinion, associations and groups form and carry out public policy.
- Describe the position of opposing groups on a public policy issue.
Overview
The role of interest groups in politics and government is a hot topic in the media today. This lesson uses the battle over school lunch ingredients to illustrate how interest groups and lobbying affect public policy. Take a side in the battle, create an interest group, and try to influence public policy.
iCivics en español! Student and class materials for this lesson are available in Spanish.