copyright © 2014 cengage learning interest groups chapter seven

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

INTEREST GROUPS

Chapter Seven

Copyright © 2014 Cengage LearningCopyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Introduction

Interest group: an organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers

Lobbyist: organization or individual who attempts to influence legislation and the administrative decisions of government

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Interest Groups: A Natural Phenomenon

Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville“... in no country of the world has the principle of association been more successfully used or applied to a greater multitude of objectives than in America.”

Interests groups form toSolve civic problemsEstablish social relationshipsRepresent economic or political interests

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James Madison foresaw importance of multiple organizations in political system Protects minority views Pluralism

Two-thirds of all Americans belong to at least one group


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Interest groups and social movements Demands change in political, economic or social

system Movements indicate first signs of discontent

Women’s suffrage Civil rights movement Immigrant workers and La Raz Human Rights Campaign Occupy movement

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Social Movement Interest Groups6



Why so many? First Amendment

guarantees Federal system

opportunities Racial, ethnic and

religious diversity


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Why Do Americans Join Interest Groups?

Unorganized or latent interests Collective good Free rider problem

Solidary incentives Companionship Sense of belonging Association with like-minded people

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Why Do Americans Join Interest Groups?

Material incentives Economic well-being and opportunities Protect interests regarding government policy

Purposive incentives Advocate political goals through joint action Advocate social goals through joint action Way to participate in democratic society

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Types of Interest Groups

Economic groups (most common type) Business interest groups Agricultural interest groups Labor interest groups Public-employee unions Interest groups of professionals The unorganized poor

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Decline in Union Membership, 1948 to Present

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Environmental groups National Audubon

Society Sierra Club National Wildlife

Federation Greenpeace Society


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Public-interest groups Nader organizations Other public-interest groups

American Civil Liberties Union League of Women Voters Common Cause MoveOn

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Other interest groups Single-interest interest groups

National Rifle Association PETA AARP

Foreign governments

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“One Issue” Interest Groups15


What Makes an Interest Group Powerful?

Size and resources Large number of members paying dues = strong

financial base (AARP) Some are small in number, but have significant

financial resources (Big Pharma) Leadership

Develop effective strategies Charisma and public image

Cohesiveness Motivation and commitment of members is key

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Profiles of Power:Four Influential Interest Groups

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Profiles of Power:Four Influential Interest Groups

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Interest Group Strategies

Access to government officials essential Direct techniques

Lobbying Rating systems Building alliances Campaign assistance

Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act Citizens United v. FEC

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PACS

Political Action Committee They are how interest group directly give money to

a candidate they are regulated-Citizens United We now have super PACs They can spend as much money as they want but

it can't be a direct contribution

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Interest Group Strategies

Indirect techniques Generating public pressure

Use of polls “Climate control”

Constituents as lobbyists Unconventional pressure

Boston Tea party March on Washington WTO protests

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Regulating Lobbyists

Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946) Results of the 1946 Act

Defined lobbyist Only full-time lobbyists must register

Foreign Agent Registration Act (1938)

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Reforms of 1995 Lobbyist redefined Stricter registration requirements Semiannual reports Foreign entities must register Excludes grassroots & tax-exempt organizations

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Recent lobbying scandals Jack Abramoff case Honest Leadership and Open Government Act

(2007) Tighter requirements (but still loopholes) New rules on congressional gifts and trips

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Interest Groups and Representative Democracy

Middle-and upper-class bias “Elite within an elite” leadership Most powerful: business, union, trade and

professional groups Public-interest and civil rights groups may

struggle

More elitist than pluralist

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Interest Groups and Representative Democracy

Interest group influence Not all have equal influence Different combination of resources Public support important Most successful often focus on specific issue

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copyright © 2014 cengage learning interest groups chapter seven

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