interest group explanation

8/9/2019 interest group explanation

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Interest Groups


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IntroductionA much maligned party of our

political system But before we can determine if

groups are good, bad, or irrelevant,

we need to understand:What is an interest group?

What is their role is in our system?


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IntroductionInterest groups (igs) have been around

a long time. Some are as old as our nation. Others started last week.

Madison says they are the price wepay for having a democracy. Since we govern by majority, groups

will form to persuade representativestowards their point of view.

Remember Federalist #10


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IntroductionMadison was right about a few things

Americans do join groups as a means of participating

in the political process. In our system, combining as a group is more effective

than acting out as an individual. The founders knew this because they formed interest

groups to protest the heavy handedness of British rule.

There are many groups in our system representingbroad & narrow issues. BUT there has yet to become one group that represents

the majority of the population on all issues. Therefore, Madisons fears have not materialized.


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IntroductionRobert Dahl, a prominent political scientist,

includes interest groups as arequirement for democracy. Citizens must have a right to form relatively

independent associations or orgs in order to achieve

their various rights. These groups include political parties and interest

groups.

Without igs and associations or the freedom of people to

form them, Dahl believes a system cannot be fullydemocratic!

Igs are not only inevitable (Madison). They are

necessary (Dahl).


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Why worry about them?If igs are not new, and are necessary to

democracy, why is there concern abouttheir presence within our system?

Growth- since the late 1950s and 1960s there has been

an enormous proliferationin # of active igs in ourpolitical system.

The 60s were a time of growth for liberal groups.

We saw these groups engaging in a lot of political

activityfrom grassroots demonstrations to courtbattles & lobbying.

Group openly fighting for policy change!


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Why worry about them? During the 1970s, the number of conservative

groups grew. If we extend Madisons thinking, this is a good

thing. Right?

More groups means less chance of one groupdominating the system.

But it also means more narrow interestsexerting pressure and pulling our

representatives to view things locally ratherthan globally.


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Introduction

Another consequence is that more groups are giving

money to candidates and pressuring govt on all kinds ofissues, big and small.

This way candidates & govt officials are cross-pressured and pulled in different directions.

Candidates and officials will pander to groups for enoughmoney to win the media game during elections andensure re-election next time around.

One question remainsShould this worry us? To answer this we need to know what IGs are, how they

form, what do they do and what they gain.


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What are interest groups? Text definition: an organized group of people who

share some goals and try to influence policy.

Another definition: an assemblage of people who sharecommon attitudes and interest and who try to influencethe political system by shaping public opinion.

These definitions may be a but limited becausethey only address one function of igs: influencingthe political system.

Winning in political terms This doesnt address all the groups that make up

the interest group universe.


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What are Interest Groups? A better definition: groups are comprised of individuals

acting together to obtain goals beyond individual reach in

complex societies (Scott 1987). This definition is not limited to only those groups trying to

influence public policy or opinion.

Goals can be political but they dont have to be.

Not all groups try to influence policy. Ex: the Boy Scouts, United Way or Habitat for Humanity.

Some groups try to inform & help their constituency.They act locally to change things globally.

Sometimes these groups lobby, but lobbying isnt theirprimary function.

The ig universe is vast and diverse. We cant say thatall do X or y.


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Types of Interest Groups

Private or Economic Interests: Purpose: to promote the economic interests of themembers.

Ex: Business, labor and agricultural interests have

historically been the big three. They exist to make profits or ensure profits and to obtain

economic benefits for their members.

i.e. National Association of Manufacturers lobbies

Congress to prevent the production of counterfeitgoods that cut into the profits of its members.
http://www.nam.org/s_nam/index.asphttp://www.nam.org/s_nam/index.asp


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Types of Interest GroupsPrivate Interests subgroups:

Trade Associations: groups that represent business interests or business ingeneral. i.e., the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America, or the American

Nursery & Landscape Association. Professional Associations: Their membership is limited to those people who

are members of the profession & the groups that work to promote theinterests of the profession. Every professor on this campus has at least one professional association

he or she can join. I have held memberships in the following professional associations:

The American Political Science Association, the Midwest Political ScienceAssociation, the Southern Political Science Association, the Western Political Science

Association, American Statistical Association, American Sociology Association. i.e.: American Medical Association, the American Correctional Chaplains

Association, or the American Catholic Correctional ChaplainsAssociation.
http://www.anla.org/http://www.anla.org/http://www.belgiancorp.com/http://www.anla.org/http://www.anla.org/http://www.anla.org/http://www.anla.org/http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.correctionalchaplains.org/http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.correctionalchaplains.org/http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/http://www.anla.org/http://www.anla.org/http://www.anla.org/http://www.belgiancorp.com/


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Private Interests subgroups: Unions work to promote interests of the workers in specific

areas.

i.e., Major League Baseball Players Association orUnited Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners ofAmerica.
http://bigleaguers.yahoo.com/http://www.carpenters.org/http://www.carpenters.org/http://www.carpenters.org/http://www.carpenters.org/http://www.carpenters.org/http://www.carpenters.org/http://bigleaguers.yahoo.com/


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Types of Interest GroupsPublic Interest Groups / Citizen Groups Public interest groups try to achieve a public or collective

good. A collective goodis a good that cant be shared

selectively with only members of the group but allmembers of a society can benefit.

i.e., Clean air or water.

This doesnt mean everyone agrees with theirassessment of a collective good but it just means this

group is trying to achieve a good for the entire society. These are usually non-profit groups.

i.e., Sierra Club, Childrens Defense Fund, Human RightsWatch, Americans United for Life
http://www.sierraclub.org/http://www.childrensdefense.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.hrw.org/http://www.childrensdefense.org/http://www.sierraclub.org/


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Types of Interest GroupsSingle Issue versus Multi-Issue groups: This a different way to classify groups

All groups can be classified as either single or multi-issue.

Most groups deal with more than one issue. They workon any and all issues that affect the welfare of theirmembers.

So, Common Cause fights for responsible governmentprogram regardless of the substantive issue area.

or National Organization Women represent the interestsof women on all fronts, from discrimination to equal pay.
http://www.commoncause.org/http://www.now.org/http://www.now.org/http://www.commoncause.org/


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Types of Interest Groups Single Issue groups are fairly recent.

They are also a public interest group but they focus onone issue or one part of a larger issue.

NOW tends to fight for all womens issues, but NARALonly works on the pro-choice issue.

This focus can sometimes lead to more extreme views orprotest lobbying.

These groups are usually less willing to compromise.
http://www.naral.org/http://www.naral.org/


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Latent Interest Groups: These are potential groups that could be

organized but dont either because no one has

organized them or because there is no way toorganize the group.

The elderly were a latent group but then the AARPformed.

The homeless could be one but they are stilllatent/unformed.

And are likely to remain so
http://www.aarp.org/http://www.aarp.org/


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Why do Interest Groups Form?

We know that some groups form and some groups dont.

There are potential groups all over!

But they havent become active or organized.

So, why do some form and others dont? This question is more important to most people.

Most have a sense of what an interest group is, but theycant understand the explosion of groups.

Scholars and the poublic find it a bit disturbing

Several theories

We will cover two BIG ones


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Why do Interest Groups Form?

First Theory: Disturbance Theory Developed by David Truman in the 1950s prior to the

explosion of IGs.

Truman thought that igs were good for our system.

Igs promote pluralism! Pluralism: govt responds to groups of citizens. Citizens

form groups that represent their interests. Enough peoplebelong to groups so that everyone is heard & no grouploses all the time. Balance is achieved.

Pluralists believe groups help with democracy

without groups masses of people with common interestswould not be represented in front of their govt!


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Disturbance Theory Start with the status quo.

Everyone is ok with representation they are getting

Then there is a disturbance. Govt deregulates or regulates a new area and the new

laws affect one group adversely.

Or a foreign company enters as a new competitor so

profits and wages go down. Now, a group of people find themselves at a disadvantage

after the disturbance.

So, latent group organize in response to the disturbance.

This formation means another area might not berepresented so they form a group and so on.

This will happen until an equilibrium is reached and thedifferent groups no longer feel disadvantaged.


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Disturbance Theory Government is usually the instigator of the disturbance.

When government expanded in the 1930s and entered all

sorts of new areas with new regulation, there were oodlesof disturbances!!!

The disregard for minority rights in the 1960s also createda disturbance which caused the formation of many

groups. Government is also the equalizer.

It is usually government action that creates the newequilibrium.

Groups work to regain balance and do so by lobbyinggovernment.

Sum: groups form in waves after a disturbance untilequilibrium is reached again.


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Disturbance Theory Trumans theory seemed to work

But, then some people noticed that groups still formed

when there didnt seem to be any kind of disturbance. After all, what kind of disturbance could cause the

formation of an association for every medical specialty?Wouldnt the AMA cover and lobby against suchdisturbances?

So, an alternative or complementary theory wasneeded.


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Why Interest Groups FormSecond Theory: Robert Salisbury

Accounts for group formation when there was adisturbance but also for group formation when therewasnt a disturbance.

Exchange theory of Interest Group Formation-

political entrepreneurs (who see the benefits of forminga group) will pay the start up costs for organizing agroup and producing benefits as long as they can sellthe goods produced to the membership.

People will join group because they wish to gain thegood without paying to produce the good.


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Why Interest Groups Form It is basically a supply and demand argument. The

entrepreneur supplies the private or public good as long asthe membership demand it.

i.e.: AARP- the elderly used to be a latent group.

Then, some entrepreneurs saw the need forrepresentation among the elderly.

So they formed a group and the over 55 crowd joined in droves The members get discounts off dinners, hotels, rxs, etc. and

representation before the government without bearing the fullcosts themselves.

People who want to belong will pay the dues and the political

entrepreneurs do the fighting. The entrepreneurs get clout in Washington, get paid for

helping a group they identify with, and the members gainbenefits by writing their checks.


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Why Interest Groups Form

Once a group forms, there is always aproblem with maintenance.

Free-riding can create a problemfolks

getting benefits without paying dues So, these groups offer selective benefits

(benefits you get only if you are a member)

as an incentive to continuing amembership with the group.

The group forms and survives


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Why Interest Groups Form

This theory works with Trumans

It is easier to get people to join the groupwhen there is a disturbance & you keepthem with the benefits.

Think about itwhen do people open theirwallets to charity?

How much was donated immediately after theTsunami in Dec. 2004?

How much do you think was donated to therelief effort this month?


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Why People Join

Our next topic follows readily from thefirst. Once we understand why groups form, the

next question is why do people sign up?

There are competing theories here as well.Theories of formation by Truman and

Salisbury suggest that people join groups

to gain benefits. This idea underlies the main theories of why

people join as well.

But, what benefits drive joining?


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Why People Join

Mancur Olson & The Logic ofCollective Action. Claims people are out to maximize their

material gain with minimal effort. This is their main goal

It drives behavior just like obtaining officedrives the behavior of the party in

government. In order to maximize gain, you want to

minimize effort.


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Why People Join

The implications of this theory were disturbing.

Suggests that folks will only join economic groupsbecause they offer selective benefits (you must be amember to gain the benefit).

Folks wont join large public interest groups becauseif the group succeeds, you still gain.

The maximum gain with NO effort!!!!

Its a cynical view because it assumes people willfree ride.


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Why People Join

Free riding: Gaining without paying or doing

anything. i.e., Have you ever worked on a group project?

What happens when one person doesnt do anywork? Does someone else pick up the slack? This

is the free rider problem!

It is also cynical because he believes peopleonly want to gain material benefitstangible

benefits. When large public interests groups began to form

and increase in the 1960s & 1970s, somequestions were raised about this theory.


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Why People Join Igs try to use a mix of these types of benefits.

At different times, they may stress one type ofincentive over another.

If a group is just starting out, and forming dueto a disturbance, purposive benefits may be

stressed. Folks feel the crisis and want toparticipate. After the crisis abates, the group may stress

material or solidarity benefits to keep

members in the fold. i.e. AARP plays this game well. It stressesthe fight for senior citizens and social securitywhen Congress considers changing benefits.When the crisis is over, they sell their

prescription drug plans, health insurance, anddiscounts.


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What They Do

We know what they are, why they form, andwhy people join.

The next question is What to igs do? Well, they lobbya process by which igs

attempt to assert their influence on the policy

process Lobbyist: a representative of a group who attempts to

influence a policy maker.

Lobbyists can work directly for the IG or can be a member

of a lobbying firm hired by the group.

Lobbyists try to assert their influence in the politicalprocess by forming PACs to help the election goals ofoffice seekers or educating people and politicians.


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How do they exert influence?

There are a variety of strategies groupsuse when trying to persuade Congress

or the bureaucracy. Your book talks about some broad tactics

like forming PACs or education. Lets be a bit more specific

Two main categories Inside Lobbying: lobbying government

directly. Outside Lobbying: Indirect lobbying

going public. Protests, grassroots activity,media blitzes etc.


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Inside Lobbying

Again, this is lobbying the agency orcongressperson directly. Trying to persuade the member of

Congress that the igs position is in thebest interest of their constituency or the

nationthat their position is the correctposition.

The key to inside lobbying is ACCESS.

Can you get in to see the Senator or theWhite House staff person? Do you havethe right type of case for the courts?


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Outside Lobbying Grassroots mobilization of constituents, demonstrations,

protests, etc.

These tactics are often used when you do not haveaccess to inside strategies.

These tactics can be particularly effective when used inconjunction with inside strategies.

The grass roots efforts shows the breadth of publicsupport and helps the inside lobbyist claim broadsupport.

Violent protests are the ultra-outside strategy and is notoften used in the U.S.

You need radical and committed members to use thisstrategy. i.e., Insurgents in Iraq, the IRA in NorthernIreland, or Basque separatists in Spain.


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What They Do If you are wondering what

percentage of groups use specifictactics, we can take a quick look atthis study from the 1980s. (Schlozman &Tierney 1986) It is old, but based upon updates, is still accurate

I have added information to the chart

Note which tactics are inside and outside Note which tactics are more popular

Summary of Inside and Outside Strategies


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Testify at hearings 99 IN Consult with Government officials to

plan legis. strategy

85 IN

Contact government officials directly topresent your point of view

98 IN Attempt to shape the implementation ofpolicies

89 IN

Present research results or technical

information

92 OUT Talk with people from the press and the

media

86 OUT

Help to draft legislation 85 IN Help to draft regulations, rules, or

guidelines

78 IN

Alert congressmen to the effects of a bill

on their districts

75 IN File suit or otherwise engage in

litigation

72 IN

Make financial contributions to electoral

campaigns

58 IN Do favors for officials who need

assistance

56 IN

Send letters to members of your

organization to inform them about your

activities

92 OUT Inspire letter-writing or telegram

campaigns

84 OUT

Mount grassroots lobbying efforts 80 OUT Have influential constituents contact

their congressman's office

80 OUT

Attempt to influence appointments to

public office

53 OUT Publicize candidates' voting records 44 OUT

Run advertisements in the media about

your position on issues

31 OUT Contribute work or personnel to

electoral campaigns

24 OUT

Make public endorsements of candidates

for office

22 OUT Engage in protests or demonstrations 20 OUT


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What They Do In sum: Igs try to frame issues, represent issues not

advocated by the parties, provide information tolegislators, and supply re-election resources.

All of these activities affect the policy outputs ofgovernment and help individuals with commoninterests be heard by their members.

Whether this activity reflects the pluralist ideal

that no one loses all the time and everyone isrepresented by one group or anotheris aquestion you must ask yourself.


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What Do They Gain? There has been quite a bit of research on this topic.

After all, the idea that interest groups can buyrepresentation is abhorrent.

First, a reminder There are a tremendous number of groups out there. There are groups on all sides of most issues.

Losing support from one group likely means gainingfrom another.

Members of Congress & the bureaucracy developexpertise. This expertise keeps groups in line(credibility). If a group tries to pull the wool over the eyes of a

Representative or Senator, there are checks Members look to the experts in their chamber & party

when voting, so they would know if they are on the wrongside.


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What Do They Gain?Several ideas float around

about what groups gain bygiving $$$ to candidates

Buying Votes?: There has been very little evidence that a

campaign contribution leads directly to a

favorable vote. The answer to the question is much more

complicated than that.


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What Do They Gain?Time and Effort:

There is evidence that a campaigncontribution influences the amount of timeand effort a legislator spends on a bill orpolicy.

What is time & effort?Research shows a Member of Congress will

not vote against their constituency. Such a vote would hurt chances for re-election

(their main goal). So, a vote against their constituency in

exchange for a campaign contribution wontbe worth the trouble.


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What Do They Gain But, contributions may affect the level of activity

a member puts into bills. If a member supports the group then we see that

member writing more legislation, attending morecommittee hearings, etc.

They put in more time and effort on behalf ofthe legislation.

If the member is an opponent then we see this

person avoiding committee sessions or votesdealing with these bills. They will exert minimal effort to fight the proposal.

They dont act as an impediment.


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What Do They Gain Constituents are concerned with the final vote!

The legislators can still be on the right side for thevoters.

They just didnt fight hard against the proposition.

Let me repeat- the contribution may get you more effort

into the details of the legislative process but that doesntmean that you will vote against your constituency.

Money isnt buying a vote


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What Do They Gain

Evidence shows that InterestGroups: Usually lobby their friendsfolks that

already agree with them.When they are lobbying their opponents it

is usually a counter offensive.

Groups are always more effective whenthey have a strong base in the membersconstituency.


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Should we worry? Is there a problem with all of these groups?

If groups cant buy votes and have difficultypersuading anyone to vote against theirconstituency, is there a problem?

Some say yes!!! The array of groups pulls politicians and

bureaucrats in too many directions at once.

i.e., Clinton & healthcare

When Clinton tried to pass his majorhealthcare legislation, he failed.

The proposal was doomed byhyperpluralisman excess of representation

and a fragmentation of political ideas that stallthe system of government.


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Should we worry?

In this example, groups used inside and

outside strategies to fight/change theproposal.

They ran ads, funded campaigns, providedinformation to members, etc.

The groups didnt agree on the different partsof the plan, so they formed coalitions to

change or prevent the specific parts of theplan that hurt their interests.

The broader concept was lost.


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Should we worry?Maybe not a problem

Maybe you didnt like Clinton or hishealthcare plan, so this doesnt botheryou

Do you see the same thing happening toBushs plan to reform social security?

We could also look at this example fromthe perspective of Founders intent. The founders wanted ideas to percolate.

They didnt want large scale change tohappen quickly.


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Should we worry?

But the issue remains

Does the fragmentation of our interestsinto a vast array of groups with narrowinterests prevent good government or

big ideas?

Or is this simply a reflection of pluralismwith some folks winning sometimes, andno one winning all the time?

interest group explanation

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