Interest groups also educate public.
officials, and the general public by substantive expertise on a policy that is of any type of.
importance. Many groups are represented by former members of congress or former.
cabinet members which can provide political and leadership skills. Another aspect of.
conventional politics are lobby groups which monitor programs and try to persuade.
government to take action if there is a situation which isn't in there best interest. The.
most important function of lobbyist's though are most certainly campaign contributions. .
We live in a materialistic world and money runs everything- even politics. .
The direct approach is usually a more passionate "last stand" approach towards.
gaining access inside the political arena. Environmental interest groups still lobby for.
money and members, but encourage direct action like marches, protests, and.
demonstrations. This could produce much needed media coverage and put the interest.
group in the spotlight. A good example would be the boat "Rainbow Warrior" which.
Green Peace sent out in the ocean to stop the practice tests of nuclear weapons. The boat.
was in the danger zone of nuclear explosions so the tests were delayed. Another example.
are the demonstrations on Earth Day in 1970 that were held all over the US which sparked.
and enlightened environmental activism nationwide. Money again is a big issue when.
using this direct approach and, as a result, Political Action Committees are formed. .
PAC's raise money from constituents, and make large contributions to political campaigns.
in hope of discouraging opposing candidates.
Access in the governmental policy arena is the number one goal of interest groups,.
but once gained, must be kept up by active membership and campaign contributions. This.
is more difficult than it sounds because interest groups usually target a certain political.
party, being either the Republican or Democratic party, in order to gain access to political.
