Interest Groups
Unit 4: The Electoral Process
Historical Background
• Interest Groups were basically the “factions” (along with Political Parties)
that Madison discussed in Federalist #10
• Their number and influence has grown since the founding period in
response to:
• Changing Campaign Laws
• Federalism
• Government becoming more and more involved in different policy areas
The Primary Goal of Interest Groups
An interest group is an organization of people sharing a
common interest or goal that seeks to influence public
policy
Organization: Interest Groups are organized. There is a structure with a
heirarchy.
Common Interest: Interest Groups can have one narrow interest (NRA) or a
broader range (Sierra Club).
Influence Public Policy: Interest Groups attempt to get the government to pass
(or not pass) laws that impact their interests.
Functions of Interest Groups
• Raise Awareness and Stimulate Interest
• They seek to educate their members and the general public
• Represent their Membership
• Linkage institution between the public and government
• Provide Information to the Government
• Data and testimony that is useful in making public policy
• Provide Channels for Political Participation
• Enabling citizens to work together for a common goal (“magnifying voices”)
Types of Interest Groups
• Economic Interest Groups
• Labor Groups (Unions)
• Examples: Teamsters, AFL-CIO
• Protect and promote interests of labor
• Business Groups
• Examples: Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers
• Promote and protect business interests
• Professional Groups
• Examples: American Medical Association (AMA), American Bar Association (ABA)
• Maintain standards of profession, publish journals
• Agricultural Groups
• Examples: National Grange and National Farmers’ Union
• Promote and protect agricultural interests
Types of Interest Groups
• Cause Groups
• Specific Causes
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• National Rifle Association (NRA)
• Welfare of Specific Groups
• American Association of Retired People (AARP)
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• Religion-Related Causes
• National Council of Churches
• American Jewish Congress
Types of Interest Groups
• Public Interest Groups
• Concerned with issues that reach beyond just those of
the members (environmental, consumer protection,
crime, civil rights, etc.)
• Common Cause
• League of Women Voters
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Interest Group Tactics/Strategy
• Influencing Elections
•
•
•
•
•
Endorsing Candidates (Voter Guides)
Influencing Party Platforms
Influencing Party Nominations
Campaigning For
Donations through Political Action Committees (PACs)
• Lobbying: Influencing policymakers, often by supplying data/information
• Direct Lobbying: Using personal contacts between lobbyists and policy makers
• Grassroots Lobbying: Interested group members and others outside the organization to
write letters, send telegrams, e-mails, faxes, and telephone calls to influence policymakers
• Coalition Lobbying: Several interest groups with common goals join together to influence
policymakers
Interest Group Tactics/Strategy
• Litigation: Groups take an issue to court, if they could not find
success in Congress. NAACP and segregation during the 1950s
(Brown v. Board of Education)
• Going Public: Appealing to the public for support by bringing
attention to the issue or using public relations to gain support for
the image of the interest group
Attempts to Regulate Interest Groups
• 1946 Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act
• All lobbyists must register with the House and Senate
• Only if their PRINCIPAL PURPOSE was to influence legislation
• 1995 Lobbying Disclosure Act
• Lobbyists must register if lobbying was directed not only at Congress, but congressional
staff members, policymakers within Executive Branch as well
• Required to disclose more about activities and their client list as well.