CHAPTER 11
Interest Groups
Learning Objectives
 Assess the function of interest groups as a
mechanism by which groups of people attempt to
influence government to advance shared goals
 Define pluralism as the theory that public policy is
largely the product of a variety of different interest
groups competing with one another to promote
laws that benefit members of their respective
groups
 Compare and contrast both the benefits and
criticisms of the interest-group system in the
United States
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Learning Objectives
 Identify the reasons for the growth of interest
groups in the United States during the twentieth
century
 Evaluate the critical role interest groups play in
influencing policymaking through structures such
as iron triangles and issue networks
 Identify solidary benefits as one of the reasons
people join interest groups
 Assess the factors that contribute to each interest
group’s level of influence on policy
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Learning Objectives
 Distinguish between economic interest groups
and noneconomic interest groups according to
their primary purpose and cite examples of each
type of group
 Explain the “free rider” problem that many interest
groups face
 Identify the activities interest groups engage in to
achieve their goals and influence public policy
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Pluralism and the
Interest Group System
 What Is an Interest
Group?
 Organization of people
with shared goals
 Tries to influence
public policy
 Way to advance their
interest
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Pluralism and the
Interest Group System
 Pluralism
 Theory that public policy results from interest
groups competing with one another
 Majoritarianism
 Theory that public policy is a product of what
majorities of citizens prefer
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Pluralism and the
Interest Group System
 The Pros of Interest Groups
 Provide all groups with an opportunity to win
support for their ideas and positions
 Joining and working for the interests of a group is
a natural inclination for citizens
 Association is protected by the First Amendment
 Fair system that provides an equitable opportunity
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Pluralism and the
Interest Group System
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Pluralism and the
Interest Group System
 The Cons of Interest Groups
 Groups supported by the wealthy have greater
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resources
Promotes advancement of interests that don’t
always strive for the common good
Large corporations dominate the system
Amount of groups slows policy making
Leaders are not elected
Concentrate benefits for the few while distributing
costs to the many
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Pluralism and the
Interest Group System
 Interest Groups versus Political Parties
 Differ in two important ways
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Interest groups do not run candidates for office
Groups focus narrowly on special issues while
parties are guided by broader approaches
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Pluralism and the
Interest Group System
 Social Movements
 Many movements have been propelled by
interest group activities
 Civil rights
 Women’s rights
 Movements have been
 Political
 Economic
 Social
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Interest Groups in Action
 The Growth of Interest Groups
 Government growth leads to growth of interest
groups
 New Deal
 Great Society
 Opportunities for interest group influence have
expanded
 Interest groups finance campaigns
 Political Action Committees
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Interest Groups in Action
 Iron Triangle
 Congressional committees and subcommittees
assigned to a specific policy area
 Executive agencies administering policies in
this area
 Interest groups seeking to influence policy area
 Depend on one another for support and
influence
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The Iron Triangle of Policymaking
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Interest Groups in Action
 Issue networks
 Broad array of actors that have a vested interest in
an area of public policy
 Includes congressional staff and media members
 Try to influence a policy area
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Interest Groups in Action
 Membership in Groups
 Number of Americans in interest groups is high
 Tend to have higher incomes and greater resources
 Can favor upper classes of society
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Interest Groups in Action
 Reasons for membership
 Material benefits
 Purposive benefits
 Solidary benefits
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Interest Groups in Action
 What Makes Some Groups More Powerful
Than Others?
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Size of the membership
Wealth of the members
Dedication of members to the goals of the group
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Types of Interest Groups
 Economic Groups
 Business Groups
 Trade Associations
 Free Riders
 Labor Unions
 Open Shop
 Closed Shop
 Union Shops
 Professional Associations
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Types of Interest Groups
 Noneconomic Groups
 Public interest groups
 Ralph Nader
 Issues and ideological groups
 National Right to Life Committee
 American Civil Liberties Union
 Government interest groups
 National League of Cities
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How Interest Groups
Achieve Their Goals
 Lobbying
 Provide information and expertise to public officials
 Try to convince officials to vote or act in a manner
favorable to their interest
 Essential part of the American political system
 Grassroots lobbying
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Big Givers to Campaigns
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How Interest Groups
Achieve Their Goals
 Supporting Candidates/Parties in Elections
 Provide financing, resources, and endorsements
 Litigation
 Initiate lawsuits and file amicus curiae briefs
 Persuasion Campaigns
 Use media campaigns to persuade the public
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