Interest Groups and Lobbyists

Interest Groups Interest Groups are a type of linkage institution They are an organization of people whose members share policy views on specific issues, and attempt to influence policy.

Interest Groups and Political Parties Political parties nominate candidates, contest elections, and try to gain control over government, interest groups simply want to influence public policy Political Parties focus on a wide rage of issues, but interest groups have a much narrower focus.

Types of Interest Groups Business Groups Labor Groups Agricultural Groups Professional Associations Environment Groups Public Interest Groups Equality Interests Single issue groups

Lobbying Lobbying Congress – Testify in committees and provide members with information Lobbying the President – Meet with the president and aids of the president Lobbying the Courts – File lawsuits and amicus briefs

PAC Interest groups may start a political action committee PACs raise money for contributions to candidates. PAC money is limited SUPER PACS and large, and go around FEC rules to raise often unlimited amounts of money. Citizens United v. FEC – Corporations can start PACs because limiting them from doing so if a violation of free speech.

Shaping Public Opinion Interest groups launch media campaigns They use grass roots lobbying by members of communities Hold Protests

Interest Groups Large groups have advantages, but have free-riders Benefits can be offered to encourage people to join.

Interest Groups and American Democracy Interest Groups and political parties are factions. Hamilton warned us about them in Federalist 10. Elite Theory – The elite and rich control the government. Pluralist Theory – Groups compete for power and balance each other out. Hyperpluralist – There are to many groups and nothing is getting done.