Chapter Six

Interest Groups

What are interest groups?

Groups that share common belief / attitude Purpose: influence government and affect policy Madison called these groups factions (believed they

were caused by the unequal distribution of property) Often utilize lobbyists to express their beliefs to the

government

Economic Corporations — businesses have concerns over policy,

they actively support candidates who support their issues (Exxon, GM, Coca-Cola)

Trade Associations — generally small businesses who align themselves for protection of all (Chamber of Commerce)

Labor — “unions” unite workers, focus on working conditions & wages, 14% of Americans (AFL-CIO)

Professional — “white collared unions” some of the strongest and biggest supporters (NEA, AMA)

Ideological

See politics as a way to pursue the issue(s) that are most important to them

Usually very adamant about their position – unwilling to compromise

Examples — ACLU, Christian Coalition, Greenpeace, NRA

Public Interest Claim they promote interest of the public — what they

want is good for everyone Safety concerns, consumer protection, environmental

issues, good government Example — Public Interest Research Groups, started by

Nader Tax-exempt public charities fit into this category

(American Heart Association)

Foreign Policy

Organizations that promote/oppose foreign policies Some focused on a specific issue in U.S. foreign policy Examples — American Israeli Political Action

Committee, National Association of Arab Americans

Government Interest

Cities and states have their own lobbyist in Washington to ensure that their concerns and wishes are heard by the national government (National League of Cities)

Others

Those who don’t fit into a category yet certainly lobby Washington to support their interests (VFW, nationality groups, Knights of Columbus)

Determinants of Effectiveness

Size — more people = more influence Active — more important than size Spread — concentration vs. spread Resources — $, volunteers, reputation, expertise Competitors & Alliances Cohesiveness Leadership Techniques

Techniques Used

Publicity and Mass Media

Mass Mailings Write Opinions to

Congress Give Speeches Litigation

Go to trial Amicus curiea briefs

Election Activity Endorsements

Form a Political Party Free Soil, Green

Cooperative Lobbying Join for common cause

Lobbyists Name from mid-1800s when people met politicians

in lobby of Capitol to express concerns Today most are former government employees who

work for interest groups (revolving door) Have some influence on politicians but not as much

as perceived Politicians like them because their groups give

money for reelection campaigns

Iron Triangle

The Network of People who care strongly about certain issues and tend to have supporting relationships

Government Agency

(DOD)

Lobbyists

(Retired General)

Congressional Committees

(Senate Armed Services

Committee)

FECA

Federal Election Campaign Act (1971) Must disclose receipts/expenditures of those

involved in federal campaigns Provides partial public funding to Presidential

candidates Spending is unlimited, contributions are limited

(Buckley v. Valeo – spending $ is free speech, cannot be limited) Result = growth of PACs, more funding going to

candidates

Political Action Committees

Political arm of interest groups that raise funds and contribute money

FECA limits $5000 (now $15,000) to a candidate, but unlimited donations to political parties

Host fund raisers and “bundle” money to give to candidates

Incumbents receive most of funds, helps them win reelection

Soft Money = any $ not subject to limits

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) (McCain/Feingold Act)

Soft $ is getting out of control from parties and PACs – it bans all soft $$, sets limits on any $$ directly linked to campaigns

Bans issue advocacy ads from those not subject to limits too close to elections (other ads required to have tag line)

McConnell v. FEC – upheld BCRA saying limiting $$ and banning ads do not violate 1st amendment

Citizens United v. FEC – struck down ban on issue advocacy ads saying free speech was restricted

Growth of SuperPACs is the result