the peak of the unions’ influence, roughly one-third of American workers belonged to labor unions. Now less than one quarter of American workers belong to a union. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the United Food and Commercial Workers International; and Service Employees International are among the largest and most influential labor unions. The AFL-CIO (American Federation of Congress of Industrial Organizations) is a collection of labor unions that cooperate in order to expand their influence. Labor unions spend much of their time and energy dealing with employers, but they also play a political role. Just like business interest groups, unions mobilize voters, run ads, and donate money to candidates they feel will benefit labor interests. Agricultural Groups Agricultural groups represent the interests of farmers. The federal government spends large amounts of money supporting farmers and influencing what crops are grown. Just as labor and business interests vary, so do agricultural interests. Some groups, such as the Farm Bureau, tend to work most closely with large agribusinesses, whereas others, such as the Farmers Union and the Grange, do more to protect small and family farms. Professional Associations Many professionals have formal organizations that set ground rules for the profession, regulate practices, and promote standards of conduct. Professional associations also lobby the government on issues related to their profession. The American Medical Association, lobbies on behalf odf the medical field. The National Education Association, a professional association for teachers, lobbies for policies it feels will benefit teachers and students. Noneconomic Groups Noneconomic groups are interest groups that for issues or causes instead of working for material gain. Noneconomic groups seek public goods (also called collective goods), which may benefit everyone in society, not just members of the group. Purposive benefits: The emotional and psychological benefits members receive knowing they have contributed to a they feel is worthwhile Solidarity benefits: The social benefits members receive after meeting new people and friends they worked with to promote the cause Informational benefits: The educational benefits members receive having learned more about the issues that matter to them There are four main types of noneconomic groups: public interest groups, single-issue groups, ideological groups, and government groups. Public Interest Groups Public interest groups claim to work for the good of the whole society, not just one part of it. Not surprisingly, public interest groups often have very different ideas as to how to
the peak of the unions’ influence, roughly one-third of American workers belonged to labor unions. Now less than one quarter of American workers belong to a union. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the United Food and Commercial Workers International; and Service Employees International are among the largest and most influential labor unions. The AFL-CIO (American Federation of of Industrial Organizations) is a collection of labor unions that cooperate in order to expand their influence. Labor unions spend much of their time and energy dealing with employers, but they also play a political role. Just like business interest groups, unions mobilize voters, run ads, and donate money to candidates they feel will benefit labor interests. Agricultural Groups Agricultural groups represent the interests of farmers. The federal government spends large amounts of money supporting farmers and influencing what crops are grown. Just as labor and business interests vary, so do agricultural interests. Some groups, such as the Farm Bureau, tend to work most closely with large agribusinesses, whereas others, such as the Farmers Union and the Grange, do more to protect small and family farms. Professional Associations Many professionals have formal organizations that set ground rules for the profession, regulate practices, and promote standards of conduct. Professional associations also lobby the government on issues related to their profession. The American Medical Association, lobbies on behalf odf the medical field. The National Education Association, a professional association for teachers, lobbies for policies it feels will benefit teachers and students. Noneconomic Groups Noneconomic groups are interest groups that for issues or causes instead of working for material gain. Noneconomic groups seek public goods (also called collective goods), which may benefit everyone in society, not just members of the group. Purposive benefits: The emotional and psychological benefits members receive knowing they have contributed to a they feel is worthwhile Solidarity benefits: The social benefits members receive after meeting new people and friends they worked with to promote the cause Informational benefits: The educational benefits members receive having learned more about the issues that matter to them There are four main types of noneconomic groups: public interest groups, single-issue groups, ideological groups, and government groups. Public Interest Groups Public interest groups claim to work for the good of the whole society, not just one part of it. Not surprisingly, public interest groups often have very different ideas as to how to Congress