Interest Groups vs. State and Local Government

This lesson is designed to assist teachers in instructing students on the ways U.S. citizens can become politically active and explain one way is to join an interest group. Additionally, the lesson covers the role and function of interest groups and how they can impact laws and policies offered by local and state government officials. Teachers can choose an interest group appropriate for their class and discuss the impact that group has in state politics. This lesson is geared toward 10th-12th grade students for the U.S. Government and Civics class, however, the assignments can be tweaked for differentiated instruction. 

Weblink address (URL): 
Interest Groups vs. State and Local Government
Home Page- source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will…

  • Explain and explore ways citizens can become politically engaged.
  • Define and identify the roles and functions of interest groups.
  • Analyze how interest groups influence state and local laws and policies
Essential and guiding questions: 
  • What roles can citizens engage in to become more active in politics?
  • What are the roles and functions of interest groups?
  • How do interest groups influence state and local governments?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Students will be asked to research interest groups, choose one of the groups that interests them, and present their findings to the class. You can also have them submit a copy as a paper assignment.
Students will create a PowerPoint presentation including the following information:

  • Interest group name
  • Purpose and mission
  • What does the interest group want to change or enforce?
  • What laws have they changed or are they working to change?
  • Why did they choose this interest group?
  • If you could create an interest group, what would be its name and purpose?

You can tweak the requirements as you see fit but the purpose is for students to share their level of understanding of interest groups and how they work. All activities can be modified to your classroom specifications.
Option for extension: Invite state legislators or local elected officials to come speak to the classroom about their role in government.

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • White board
  • Computer and projector
  • Tennessee Blue Book or PDF of selected pages (print out or show on the board)
    • pg. vii, Preface
    • pgs. viii - ix, graphic organizer of state government
  • Internet access for discussion (either for teacher or for the students)
    • Links/information on local government such as the mayor’s office, city council, or boards and commissions. You can also add additional links as you see fit.
    • Access to interest group’s website
  • Copies of news articles chosen