I. Introduction A. Definition An organization that shares policy views and attempt to influence public policy They operate at every level of government. 1. 2. B. 1. 2. 3. 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. 2. II. Types of Interest Groups A. Business Groups Labor Groups Agricultural Groups Professional Associations Environmental Groups Public Interest Groups Equality Interests Single-Issue Groups B. C. D. E. F. G. 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 2. 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 3. - - 4. - 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. 1. 2. 3. 4. 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. 1. 2. 3. E. 1. 2. 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. 1. 2. 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. 1.