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Page 1: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Chapter 10- Chapter 10- Interest GroupsInterest Groups • (1). Define what an (1). Define what an Interest GroupInterest Group is, and contrast its functions with is, and contrast its functions with

political partiespolitical parties..• (2). Examine the role, characteristics, growth, and diverse types of (2). Examine the role, characteristics, growth, and diverse types of

Interest Groups.Interest Groups.• (3). Explain how Interest Groups are formed and maintained, and discuss (3). Explain how Interest Groups are formed and maintained, and discuss

the obstacles.the obstacles.• (4). Examine the (4). Examine the strategiesstrategies of Interest Groups and of Interest Groups and Political Action Political Action

Committees (PACs)Committees (PACs)..• (5). Discuss the role and function of (5). Discuss the role and function of lobbyistslobbyists & examine the & examine the various various

typestypes of of lobbyinglobbying..• (6). Examine the role of (6). Examine the role of Interest GroupsInterest Groups in in litigationlitigation,, and define and define amicus amicus

curiaecuriae..• (7). Analyze influence of Interest Groups, and contrast (7). Analyze influence of Interest Groups, and contrast externalexternal & &

internal factorsinternal factors..• (8). Assess the overall positive & negative impact of (8). Assess the overall positive & negative impact of Int. Groups Int. Groups on the on the

political process.political process.• (9). (9). Prepare for Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-10)Prepare for Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-10)..

Page 2: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

InterestGroups

An organized group of people who share some goals and try to influence public

policy.

Defining Defining Interest GroupsInterest GroupsInterest Groups Versus Political Parties

Purpose & priorities of Political Party?

Purpose & priorities of Interest Group?

Page 3: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Five MainFunctions of

Interest Groups?

Represen-tation

PoliticalParticipation

Education

AgendaBuilding

ProgrammingMonitoring

Page 4: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Role & Functions of Role & Functions of Interest GroupsInterest Groups

• Five main functionsFive main functions of of Interest Groups:Interest Groups:– RepresentationRepresentation – – interest of membersinterest of members

– Political ParticipationPolitical Participation – – enable people to participateenable people to participate• Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics

– EducationEducation – – members, public, & government officialsmembers, public, & government officials• About issues of interest & why IG goals should be supportedAbout issues of interest & why IG goals should be supported

– Agenda building-Agenda building- push new issues onto public agendapush new issues onto public agenda• Examples: Consumer protection & Veterans issuesExamples: Consumer protection & Veterans issues

– Program Monitoring-Program Monitoring- watch how laws are administeredwatch how laws are administered

• Assess Federal or State Government regulation Assess Federal or State Government regulation

Page 5: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

The Growth of Interest GroupsThe Growth of Interest Groups • History & evolution ofHistory & evolution of “ “factionsfactions””

– De Tocqueville’sDe Tocqueville’s observations observations “forming associations”“forming associations”

– Anti-slavery association of 1833Anti-slavery association of 1833

– National Woman Suffrage Association of 1869National Woman Suffrage Association of 1869

– The Grange of 1860sThe Grange of 1860s (anti-Railroad monopolies) (anti-Railroad monopolies)

• Significant Significant Interest GroupInterest Group (IG) (IG) growth since 1942:growth since 1942:– From 600 From 600 IGsIGs in 1942 to => 7000+ in 1995 in 1942 to => 7000+ in 1995

Why the growth of Interest Groups?

Page 6: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Increased Demands on GovernmentIncreased Demands on Government

• More demands of public placed on Government:More demands of public placed on Government:– Civil Right & Anti-Vietnam War LegacyCivil Right & Anti-Vietnam War Legacy

– Improvements & advances in technologyImprovements & advances in technology

– Rise of Rise of new issuesnew issues almost every day almost every day

What are the different types of Interest Groups?

Page 7: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Diversity of Organized InterestsDiversity of Organized Interests

• Three general categories of Interest Groups:Three general categories of Interest Groups:– Economic Interest GroupsEconomic Interest Groups

– Citizen Interest GroupsCitizen Interest Groups

– Government Interest GroupsGovernment Interest Groups

• Examine each in greater detail=>Examine each in greater detail=>

Page 8: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Business Groups

Organized Labor

Agricultural Groups

Professional Associations

Economic Interest Groups (#1)Four types:

Page 9: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Economic Interest Groups (#2)Economic Interest Groups (#2)• 1.1. BusinessBusiness- (Chamber of Commerce, NAM) - (Chamber of Commerce, NAM)

– Trade AssociationsTrade Associations (Alliance of Automobile Man.) (Alliance of Automobile Man.)

• 2.2. Organized LaborOrganized Labor – (AFL-CIO, Amer. Fed. Of – (AFL-CIO, Amer. Fed. Of Teachers)Teachers)

• 3.3. Agricultural GroupsAgricultural Groups-- – (American Farm Bureau(American Farm Bureau-large farms)-large farms)– (National Farmer’s Union(National Farmer’s Union – smaller farms – smaller farms))– Specific commodities – (corn, hog, etc.)Specific commodities – (corn, hog, etc.)

• 4.4. Professional AssociationsProfessional Associations-- – (AMA, ABA, American Optometric Assoc.)(AMA, ABA, American Optometric Assoc.)– Also for advancement of women & minorities:Also for advancement of women & minorities:

• American Association for University WomenAmerican Association for University Women

• National Association for Black AccountantsNational Association for Black Accountants

Page 10: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest groups, also known as public interest groups,

dedicated to promoting a vision of good

public policy rather than the economic interests of their

members.

Citizen Groups

Citizen Groups- promote group vision of public good=>American Civil Liberties Union & NRA

Single issue groups (NAACP, Greenpeace, NOW)

Page 11: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

StateGovernments

Government Interest Groups

ForeignGovernments

LocalGovernments

Page 12: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Coalitions and DivisionsCoalitions and Divisions

• Groups of similar interests join in Groups of similar interests join in coalitionscoalitions– The Military CoalitionThe Military Coalition => military & VA benefits => military & VA benefits

– Environmental & Nature Conservation groupsEnvironmental & Nature Conservation groups

• Groups might also divide or realign on various Groups might also divide or realign on various issuesissues– Politics & strange bedfellows – Politics & strange bedfellows – NAFTANAFTA issue issue

Page 13: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest Group Formation and Interest Group Formation and MaintenanceMaintenance

• Reasons why interest groups form?Reasons why interest groups form?• Disturbance TheoryDisturbance Theory => =>

– Usually in response to Government policyUsually in response to Government policy– Threat to the Threat to the status quo – The Cat Motherstatus quo – The Cat Mother response response

• IGs IGs form mostly in response to some government policy:form mostly in response to some government policy:– Policies affecting or potentially affecting members’ interestsPolicies affecting or potentially affecting members’ interests– Most are directly related to politics => influence gov. policyMost are directly related to politics => influence gov. policy– Also some Also some IGsIGs formed for reasons unrelated to politics formed for reasons unrelated to politics

• Whose interest is usually represented?Whose interest is usually represented?– Rich & powerful - Rich & powerful - why?why?

Social-economic status => political activism

Page 14: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

A dilemma created when people can obtain the benefits of interest

group activity without paying any of the costs associated with it.

(In this situation, the interest group may not form because everyone has an incentive to let someone

else pay the costs of group formation.)

The Collective Goods Dilemma?

ObstaclesObstacles of Interest Group Formation of Interest Group Formation

People who benefit w/o paying are called?*

Page 15: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Free Riders

People or groups who benefit from the efforts of others

without bearing any of the costs.

So how are such obstacles to IG formation overcome?

Page 16: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Overcoming Obstacles to Interest Overcoming Obstacles to Interest Group FormationGroup Formation

• Political entrepreneursPolitical entrepreneurs=> => – Cat Mother (local) vs. Ralph Nader (National)Cat Mother (local) vs. Ralph Nader (National)

• Government or wealthy sponsor funds IGGovernment or wealthy sponsor funds IG

• Or – Or – IGs IGs attract & motivate prospective membersattract & motivate prospective members

• How are new members potentially attracted? How are new members potentially attracted? – New members are offered what?New members are offered what?

– Selective benefitsSelective benefits (vs. (vs. collective benefitscollective benefits) ) – What are the What are the three typesthree types of of selective benefits?*selective benefits?*

Page 17: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Material(stuff)

Solidarity(identity)

Expressive(purpose)

Three Benefits from Three Benefits from Interest GroupsInterest Groups

Page 18: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

The actual goods and services that come from belonging to an

interest group.

Material?

Examples?

Page 19: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Solidarity

The emotional and psychological enjoyment that comes from

belonging to an interest group whose members share common

interests and goals.

Page 20: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

The feelings of satisfaction people derive from working for an interest

group cause they believe is just and right. Also known as purposive

benefits.

Expressive

Page 21: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Selective Benefits:

Any benefit given to a

member of a group, but denied to

nonmembers

Material

Solidarity

Expressive

Page 22: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest Group (IG) MaintenanceInterest Group (IG) Maintenance

• IG Maintenance can be difficultIG Maintenance can be difficult– How can this difficulty be overcome?How can this difficulty be overcome?

• Retain mbrs by upgrading Retain mbrs by upgrading selective benefitsselective benefits– Add or modify benefits (bigger & better & more) Add or modify benefits (bigger & better & more)

• Increase or decrease reliance on patronsIncrease or decrease reliance on patrons

• Redefine group’s mission Redefine group’s mission (March of Dimes)(March of Dimes) – From Polio of 1950s to heart disease & cancer todayFrom Polio of 1950s to heart disease & cancer today

Page 23: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest Group BiasInterest Group Bias

• Affluent & better educated over =>Affluent & better educated over =>– Poor and less educated- Poor and less educated- Why?Why?

– The higher the The higher the socioeconomic statussocioeconomic status=> the=> the more more likely to be actively involved in politicslikely to be actively involved in politics

• Some exceptionsSome exceptions – – Cesar ChavezCesar Chavez against=> against=>– Wealthier California grape growers during ’70sWealthier California grape growers during ’70s

– Chavez was soon joined by young idealistic activistsChavez was soon joined by young idealistic activists

• Still raises questions about=>Still raises questions about=>– Democracy & political influence of few elite over Democracy & political influence of few elite over

many non politically involved many non politically involved

Page 24: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest Group StrategiesInterest Group Strategies

• Four major Four major IGIG Strategies: Strategies:– Political Action CommitteesPolitical Action Committees ((PACPACs)s)

– Lobbying Lobbying the Governmentthe Government

– MobilizingMobilizing Public Opinion Public Opinion

– LitigatingLitigating

Let’s examine each strategy in greater detail=>

Page 25: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

IG Strategy #1:IG Strategy #1: Political Action CommitteesPolitical Action Committees

Organizations that Organizations that solicit contributionssolicit contributions from from members of interest groups and channel those members of interest groups and channel those contributions to election campaigns- contributions to election campaigns-

(usually for those (usually for those candidates supporting candidates supporting policies favorablepolicies favorable to members of the to members of the Interest Interest Group- Group- though not always).though not always).

Page 26: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Creating Creating Political Action Committees (PACs)Political Action Committees (PACs)• Since election reforms of early ‘70s =>Since election reforms of early ‘70s =>

– PACPACs grew significantly at different rates (Fig. 10-1)s grew significantly at different rates (Fig. 10-1)• Various categoriesVarious categories of of PACPACss grew at different rates grew at different rates

– CorporateCorporate (most growth) (most growth)– Non-connectedNon-connected– Trade, MembershipTrade, Membership, & , & HealthHealth– Labor Labor (in decline)(in decline)– Other PACs (Table 10-1 examples)Other PACs (Table 10-1 examples)

• PACPAC spending has also changed spending has also changed wrtwrt the Political the Political climateclimate– Examine these changes is following charts and tables*Examine these changes is following charts and tables*

Page 27: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Growth in Political ActionGrowth in Political ActionCommittees (PACs), 1974-2004Committees (PACs), 1974-2004

Page 28: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

PAC PAC Spending 2003-2004Spending 2003-2004

Page 29: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

34

66

RepublicansDemocrats

PACs gave nearly two-thirds of their congressional

campaign contributions to Democratic candidates when

the Democrats were the majority party on Capitol Hill.1993-1994

Changes in PAC Contributions to CongressChanges in PAC Contributions to Congress

Page 30: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

5347

RepublicansDemocratsWhen the Republican

Party gained control of Congress, that donation pattern

reversed. During the 1997-1998 election cycle, Republican

candidates received a majority of PAC

contributions. 1997-1998

Changes in PAC Contributions to CongressChanges in PAC Contributions to Congress

Page 31: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Changes in PAC Contributions to Changes in PAC Contributions to Congress- Congress- Recent ComparisonRecent Comparison

Page 32: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Trying to influence governmental decisions,

especially the voting decisions legislators make on proposed

legislation.

Lobbying?:

IG Strategy #2IG Strategy #2::LobbyingLobbying the Government the Government

Page 33: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Lobbying the Government (#2)Lobbying the Government (#2)• lobbying lobbying && lobbyists lobbyists, & , & direct lobbyingdirect lobbying

– Targeted attempts to influence policyTargeted attempts to influence policy– Through Through personal contactpersonal contact of government officials of government officials

• Plead clients case directly to officialPlead clients case directly to official

• Credible informationCredible information key to effectively lobbying key to effectively lobbying– Usually lobby officials of similar viewsUsually lobby officials of similar views– Support draft legislation & researchSupport draft legislation & research

• Lobbyists Lobbyists know howknow how government process works government process works– Many are former Executive appointees or Many are former Executive appointees or

CongressmenCongressmen

– Problem: potential Problem: potential conflict of interestconflict of interest What are the different ways to lobby?

Page 34: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

DirectLobbying

EducationCampaigns

Grass-Roots

Lobbying

Types of Lobbying

AdvocacyAdvertising

Page 35: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Trying to influence public policy through

direct contact with government officials.

DirectLobbying

Page 36: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Lobbying to Lobbying to Mobilize Public OpinionMobilize Public Opinion

• Education CampaignsEducation Campaigns => => – Key tool for education of Public: Key tool for education of Public: advocacy advertisingadvocacy advertising

– Educate public by publishing research studiesEducate public by publishing research studies• Normally supporting Normally supporting Interest Group’sInterest Group’s policy positions policy positions

• Grass-Roots LobbyingGrass-Roots Lobbying – – very effective with Congressvery effective with Congress– Petition drivesPetition drives (Which Amendment Right?) (Which Amendment Right?)

– Letters, phone calls, or e-mailLetters, phone calls, or e-mail to Congress or to Congress or Admin Admin

– Effective way to get elected officials attentionEffective way to get elected officials attention

– Marches & demonstrations Marches & demonstrations

– Get out the vote Get out the vote effortsefforts

Various methods used to mobilize Public Opinion:

Page 37: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest groups try to mobilize the public

through education hoping that the public will demand

government action.

EducationCampaigns

Page 38: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Newspaper, television, and radio advertisements that promote an interest group's political views.

AdvocacyAdvertising

Page 39: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Trying to influence public policy indirectly by

mobilizing an interest group's membership and

the broader public to contact elected officials.

Grass-Roots

Lobbying

Page 40: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

AstroturfLobbying

CivilDisobedience

Other Types of Lobbying

&

Page 41: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

AstroturfLobbying

Efforts, usually led by interest groups (or Corporations) with deep financial

pockets, to create synthetic grass-roots movements by aggressively encouraging

voters to contact their elected officials about specific issues.

Page 42: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Civil disobedience is the practice of breaking laws

in order to pressure legislators to change perceived unjust laws.

CivilDisobedience

Page 43: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

IG Strategy #3: IG Strategy #3: LitigatingLitigating

• When you lose with the Congress => When you lose with the Congress => then whatthen what??– You can always sueYou can always sue

– Last action in a continuing cycle – Last action in a continuing cycle – • (There’s always next year)(There’s always next year)

• Examples: Examples: – 1950s 1950s De Jure Segregation-De Jure Segregation- NAACP NAACP

– Clean Air Act & Endangered Species ActClean Air Act & Endangered Species Act

– Campaign ReformCampaign Reform

• Amicus Curiae briefAmicus Curiae brief??

Page 44: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest Group InfluenceInterest Group Influence

• Two factors determining degree of IG influence?Two factors determining degree of IG influence?• External & Internal FactorsExternal & Internal Factors• External FactorsExternal Factors – – those beyond group’s controlthose beyond group’s control

– Party in power (President and/or Congress)Party in power (President and/or Congress)• Business & tax cuts more likely when who’s in power?Business & tax cuts more likely when who’s in power?• Union interests more likely to be + considered by who?Union interests more likely to be + considered by who?

– Opposition Interest Groups => Opposition Interest Groups => generated in responsegenerated in response• Opposing IGs tend to cancel each other outOpposing IGs tend to cancel each other out• Better chance with no opposition (Veterans’ Groups)Better chance with no opposition (Veterans’ Groups)

– (Budget proposal to cut Veterans’ Health Care- chance?)(Budget proposal to cut Veterans’ Health Care- chance?)

Page 45: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Membership

Leadership

FinancialResources

Objectives

Internal Factors ofInterest Group Influence?

Page 46: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Internal FactorsInternal Factors => (4): => (4): • MembershipMembership- - (size (size and and commitment) – esp. who votes!commitment) – esp. who votes!

– (Recall demographic factors & socio-economic status)(Recall demographic factors & socio-economic status)

• LeadershipLeadership- must - must understand how Washington worksunderstand how Washington works– Effectively manages group’s interestsEffectively manages group’s interests– Able to maintain focused & cohesive membershipAble to maintain focused & cohesive membership

• Financial ResourcesFinancial Resources-- in general more $ better than lessin general more $ better than less– Contribute to political campaigns => buys Contribute to political campaigns => buys accessaccess to lawmakers to lawmakers– Hire lobbyist who give parties that Congressmen attendHire lobbyist who give parties that Congressmen attend– Conduct media campaigns (Insurance companies defeat Conduct media campaigns (Insurance companies defeat HRCHRC))– Buy state of the art equipment – Buy state of the art equipment – direct maildirect mail operations operations – What do less funded groups do to compensate?What do less funded groups do to compensate?

• (How to get free media & capture public’s attention?)(How to get free media & capture public’s attention?)

• ObjectivesObjectives => the => the narrower & less knownarrower & less know the better – the better – – Why?Why? (Recall (Recall Disturbance TheoryDisturbance Theory))

Page 47: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

The Balance Sheet on Interest GroupsThe Balance Sheet on Interest Groups

• Americans have Americans have love/hate relationshiplove/hate relationship with with IGs IGs– Another case of Theory versus Reality- why?Another case of Theory versus Reality- why?

• In Theory: In Theory: general disdain for factions or general disdain for factions or “Special Interest”“Special Interest”

• In Reality:In Reality: Support (at various levels) for specific interests Support (at various levels) for specific interests– ((see see Figure 10-4)*Figure 10-4)*

• Disagreement over virtues of different Interest Groups Disagreement over virtues of different Interest Groups – Many times generated opposition Many times generated opposition (disturbance theory)(disturbance theory)

– Great diversity & interests interact and conflict Great diversity & interests interact and conflict (Figure 10-4)*(Figure 10-4)*

• One common thread appears throughout:One common thread appears throughout:– Wealthy & more powerful better representedWealthy & more powerful better represented – Why? – Why?

Page 48: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Public Attitudes Towards Interest Groups

Page 49: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Calls for ReformCalls for Reform • Complaints re. rich & powerful interest favored over restComplaints re. rich & powerful interest favored over rest

• Prompt calls for reforms to change rules (& outcomes)Prompt calls for reforms to change rules (& outcomes)– Limited changes made by Congress:Limited changes made by Congress:

• Limit $$$ gifts to Congress mbrs (but also raised pay at same time)Limit $$$ gifts to Congress mbrs (but also raised pay at same time)

• Greater disclosure policies – must identify lobbyists (Text cartoon)Greater disclosure policies – must identify lobbyists (Text cartoon)

• See Text - (Box 10-2): Lobbyists’ influence on CongressSee Text - (Box 10-2): Lobbyists’ influence on Congress

– Early Early Campaign Finance ReformCampaign Finance Reform – – limited reforms madelimited reforms made• Limited Limited PAC $$$ & increase individual contributionPAC $$$ & increase individual contribution

• 1st Amendment Rights1st Amendment Rights – – challenge by opponents- always sue challenge by opponents- always sue

• All citizens have Constitutional right to All citizens have Constitutional right to petitionpetition the government the government

• Problems: also unintended consequencesProblems: also unintended consequences – (loop holes) – (loop holes)– For example: 1970s reforms resulted in Growth of For example: 1970s reforms resulted in Growth of PACPACss

– Recent Reforms & Court rulings => growth of Recent Reforms & Court rulings => growth of Soft MoneySoft Money

Page 50: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

The Contributions of Interest Groups:The Contributions of Interest Groups:

• Represents viewsRepresents views of IG members to Government of IG members to Government

• Enables people to Enables people to participate in political processparticipate in political process

• Educates publicEducates public about potential issues affecting them about potential issues affecting them

• Pushes Pushes new issuesnew issues onto the onto the political agendapolitical agenda

• Monitors GovernmentMonitors Government action & action & pushes for changepushes for change– Examples: Women’s suffrage & civil rights lawsExamples: Women’s suffrage & civil rights laws

• Upholds rightUpholds right of Americans to of Americans to petition Governmentpetition Government– (First Amendment right upheld)(First Amendment right upheld)

• IGs IGs now ingrained as integral part of American political now ingrained as integral part of American political processprocess

Page 51: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Next Class AssignmentNext Class Assignment

• Quiz 2 (Chapters 6-10 Key Terms)Quiz 2 (Chapters 6-10 Key Terms)– Preparation for Key Terms section of Preparation for Key Terms section of MTX examMTX exam

• (Quiz 1 => Part 1) + (Quiz 2 -> Part 2) => MTX Key Terms (Quiz 1 => Part 1) + (Quiz 2 -> Part 2) => MTX Key Terms sectionsection

– Learn in context with Chapter Learn in context with Chapter LOLOss & class discussions & class discussions

• MTX essay preparationMTX essay preparation (hand out) (hand out)

• Preparation for upcoming MTX Review (next Monday)Preparation for upcoming MTX Review (next Monday)– (Last chance to clarify questions about Chapters 1-10)(Last chance to clarify questions about Chapters 1-10)

– Review for Quiz 1 & 2Review for Quiz 1 & 2

• MTX (Wednesday):MTX (Wednesday):– Bring 100/W SCANTRON with #2 pencil and pen (essay)Bring 100/W SCANTRON with #2 pencil and pen (essay)

– (1 essay question and 100 Key Terms/Multiple Choice)(1 essay question and 100 Key Terms/Multiple Choice)

Page 52: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest Group Interest Group KEY TERMSKEY TERMS • Advocacy advertisingAdvocacy advertising:: Newspaper, television, and radio advertisements that promote an Newspaper, television, and radio advertisements that promote an

interest group’s political views.interest group’s political views.• Amicus curiae briefAmicus curiae brief:: Literally, friend of the court. A brief filed with the court by a person Literally, friend of the court. A brief filed with the court by a person

or group who is not directly involved in the legal action but who has views on the matter.or group who is not directly involved in the legal action but who has views on the matter.• Astroturf lobbyingAstroturf lobbying:: Efforts, usually led by interest groups with deep financial pockets, to Efforts, usually led by interest groups with deep financial pockets, to

create synthetic grass-roots movements by aggressively encouraging voters to contact create synthetic grass-roots movements by aggressively encouraging voters to contact their elected officials about specific issues.their elected officials about specific issues.

• Citizen groupsCitizen groups:: Interest groups, also known as public interest groups, dedicated to Interest groups, also known as public interest groups, dedicated to promoting a vision of good public policy rather than the economic interests of their promoting a vision of good public policy rather than the economic interests of their members.members.

• Collective goods dilemmaCollective goods dilemma:: A dilemma created when people can obtain the benefits of A dilemma created when people can obtain the benefits of interest group activity without paying any of the costs associated with it. In this situation, interest group activity without paying any of the costs associated with it. In this situation, the interest group may not form because everyone has an incentive to let someone else the interest group may not form because everyone has an incentive to let someone else pay the costs of group formation.pay the costs of group formation.

• Direct lobbying:Direct lobbying: Trying to influence public policy through direct contact with Trying to influence public policy through direct contact with government officials.government officials.

• Expressive benefitsExpressive benefits:: The feelings of satisfaction people derive from working for an The feelings of satisfaction people derive from working for an interest group cause that they believe is just and right. Also known as purposive benefits.interest group cause that they believe is just and right. Also known as purposive benefits.

• Free ridersFree riders:: People or groups who benefit from the efforts of others without bearing any People or groups who benefit from the efforts of others without bearing any of the costs.of the costs.

Page 53: Chapter 10- Interest Groups (1). Define what an Interest Group is, and contrast its functions with political parties. (1). Define what an Interest Group.

Interest Group Interest Group KEY TERMSKEY TERMS (2) (2)• Grass-roots lobbyingGrass-roots lobbying:: Trying to influence public policy indirectly by Trying to influence public policy indirectly by

mobilizing an interest group’s membership and the broader public to contact mobilizing an interest group’s membership and the broader public to contact elected officials.elected officials.

• Interest groupInterest group:: An organized group of people who share some goals and try to An organized group of people who share some goals and try to influence public policy.influence public policy.

• LobbyingLobbying:: Trying to influence governmental decisions, especially the voting Trying to influence governmental decisions, especially the voting decisions legislators make on proposed legislation.decisions legislators make on proposed legislation.

• LobbyistsLobbyists:: People who make their living trying to influence public policy. People who make their living trying to influence public policy.• Material benefitsMaterial benefits:: The actual goods and services that come from belonging to The actual goods and services that come from belonging to

an interest group.an interest group.• Political action committees (PACs):Political action committees (PACs): Organizations that solicit contributions Organizations that solicit contributions

from members of interest groups and channel those contributions to election from members of interest groups and channel those contributions to election campaigns.campaigns.

• Selective benefits:Selective benefits: Any benefit given to a member of a group but denied to Any benefit given to a member of a group but denied to nonmembers.nonmembers.

• Solidarity benefits:Solidarity benefits: The emotional and psychological enjoyment that comes The emotional and psychological enjoyment that comes from belonging to an interest group whose members share common interests and from belonging to an interest group whose members share common interests and goals.goals.


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