I.
Introduction
A.
Definition
An organization that shares policy views and
attempt to influence public policy
They operate at every level of government.
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Ways Interest Groups Link Citizens to
Government
Express their members preferences to
government policymakers.
Convey policy information to their members
Raise and spend money to influence
policymakers
C.
Two differences between interest groups and
political parties
1.
Parties nominate candidates and contest
elections; interest groups simply support
public officials and influence their policies.
Parties have positions on a wide range of
issues; interest groups focus only on specific
issues.
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II.
Types of Interest Groups
A.
Business Groups
Labor Groups
Agricultural Groups
Professional Associations
Environmental Groups
Public Interest Groups
Equality Interests
Single-Issue Groups
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H.
Match the Interest group with the Type!
III.
Interest Group Goals and Strategies
A.
Fundamental Goals
1.
Gain access to policymakers
Influence public policy
Support sympathetic policymakers
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3.
Lobbying
1.
Definition: the process by which interest groups
attempt to influence policymakers.
- Lobbyists support interest group goals.
B.
2. Lobbying Congress
30,000 lobbyist in DC that spend 2 billion a year
Testify before Congressional Committees
Provide information on technical issues
Meet informally with congressional aides
Bring influential constituents to DC for
discussions
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Lobbying Executive Branch
Presents point of view to White House aides
(staff position for interest groups)
Establish access to regulatory agencies
Lobbying the Courts
Inappropriate to meet with federal judge
Help sponsor Supreme Court Cases
Amicus Curie Briefs – written arguments for
one side of a case
Influence nominations to the Supreme Court
C.
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Contributing Money to Candidates
Political Action Committees (PACS) is a
committee formed by an interest group(s) to
support a campaign or candidate
PACS now can contribute unlimited amounts
of money to candidates/campaigns.
4,600 PACS – half sponsored by corporations
or business groups
Significant role in supporting incumbent
members of the House (those who serve on
committees that they believe is important)
D.
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Shaping Public Opinion
Undertake expensive public relation
campaigns
Advertise to promote their ideals
Visible Protests are promoted by groups
(usually not the business groups)
Factors Contributing to Success of Interest
Groups
Size ****
3. Financial Resources
Intensity
A.
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3.
The Power Elite Theory
Power Elite Theorists believe a small number
of super rich individuals, corporations, and
financial institutions dominate key policy
areas.
Business PACS encourage a close connection
between politics and money and influence
policymakers.
Example: Bailout out of Wall Street
The Pluralist Theory
1. Pluralist theorists argue that many interest
groups compete in a large number of policy
areas. Policies emerge from bargaining and
compromises.
2. Pluralists argue that federalism and division of
power provide much access and no one group
can dominate the entire system.
3. Pluralists say that groups lacking money can
use size and intensity to achieve their goals.
Example: Groups can turn to courts if they lack
legislative influence.
B.
They Hyperpluralist Theory
1. Hyperpluralists argue that there are too many
interest groups trying to influence public
policy.
2. Hyperpluralists believe that lawmakers try to
appease interest groups too much so that the
laws they make are confusing and
contradictory.
3. As a result, lawmakers avoid making hard
choices that are for the national interest.
Example: Interest groups success against
smoking, and at the same time creating subsidies
for tobacco farmers.
C.
Electioneering – seeking policy influence through
the electoral process
Groups endorse friends and target enemies.
Done through the use of PACS
Key Definitions:
Friendly Incumbent Rule – groups back an incumbent
who is generally supportive of their policies.
Super PACS – raise unlimited amount of money that
cannot donate directly to candidates, but can spend as
much money as they want to defeat candidates.
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