INTEREST GROUPS
David B. Truman, Political
Scientist- “any group, that on the
basis of one or more shared
attitudes, makes certain claims
upon other groups in society for the
establishment, maintenance, or
enhancement of forms of behavior
that are implied by shared
attitudes”
Kinds of organizations:
Public Interest Groups-seek a
collective good but not benefit from
the achievement of that good
Ex-
Economic Interest Groups- primary
purpose is to promote the
economic interests of their
members
ExGovernmental Units-state and local
governments lobby federal
government or charities for funds
ExCITIZENS’ GROUPS
*Multi-issue- although group may
have been formed around one key
issue, over time, they have become
involved in a wide variety of issues
Ex-
*Single issue- concentration on one
specific area-tends to lead to a
greater lobbying effort
ExPolitical Action Committees- a
political arm of a business, labor,
trade, professional, or other
interest group legally authorized to
raise funds on a voluntary basis, in
order to contribute to a political
candidate or party
LOBBYING- THOSE ACTIVITIES BY
WHICH GROUP PRESSURES ARE
BROUGHT TO BEAR ON
LEGISLATORS, THE LEGISLATIVE
PROCESS AND ASPECTS OF THE
PUBLIC POLICY MAKING PROCESS
EFFORTS ARE DIRECTED AT
LEGISLATIVE BODIES,
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES AND
THE COURTS
TECHNIQUES LOBBYISTS USE:
INSIDE LOBBYING TECHNIQUES
Developing contacts with
legislators and executives
Providing information and policy
proposals to key officials
Forming coalitions with other
groups
OUTSIDE LOBBYING TECHNIQUES
Encouraging group members to
write, phone, or e-mail their
representatives in Congress
Seeking favorable coverage by
news organizations
Encouraging members to support
particular candidates in elections
Targeting group resources on key
election races
Making political action committee
(PAC) contributions to candidates
 TESTIFY BEFORE LEGISLATIVE
COMMITTEES
 “GRASS-ROOTS” PRESSURE
 USE OF MEDIA
 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
 PROVIDE EXPERT INFORMATION
 WRITE SPEECHES
 DRAFT LEGISLATION
 PROTEST + RADICAL ACTIVISM
 LITIGATION
LOBBYING REGULATION
LOBBYING DISCLOSURE ACT OF
1995
 REQUIRES REGISTRATION WITH
THE HOUSE AND SENATE BY
ALL INDIVIDUAL LOBBYISTS
AND ORGANIZATIONS
 FURNISH INFORMATION ABOUT
CLIENTS AND DETAIL LOBBYING
ACTIVITIES IN SEMIANNUAL
REPORT
 REPORT THE AMOUNT THEY
ARE PAID BY EACH CLIENT