Chapter 6 Interest Groups

Interest Groups defined An interest group is a collection of people who share some common interest or attitude and seek to influence government for specific ends.

Framers’ Attitude Why were framers concerned about “factions?” What did Madison say was the “check” on factions? Federalist No. 10. How does the Constitution protect interest groups?

Good or Bad? Interest groups sometimes called “special interests”, are often referred to in a negative way. Implication that interest groups warp the system. True? Interest Group Pluralism

Types of Interest Groups Interest groups can be categorized into several broad types Economic, including both business and labor Ideological or single-issue Public interest Foreign policy Government itself

Economic Interest Groups Interest groups that are formed to promote some economic interest. Formed by industries and labor groups. Some formed by businesses themselves; means to influence politics and public policy. Trade and other associations

Labor Interest Groups Grange and Populist Party Labor Unions AFL-CIO Decline in Labor Membership Power of Unions

Professional Associations Organizations of professional people. AMA, ABA, teacher’s unions. Strong interest in legislation. Why? One of the largest donors (through PACs) to political campaigns.

Ideological and Single-Issue Interest Groups Single-issue groups put all their energies into a single core issue. Right to Life, NRA Single issue groups tend to be very motivated and very dogmatic

Ideological and Single-Issue Interest Groups Ideological groups are driven by multiple issues that coalesce around a particular topic. Notable examples: ACLU, Sierra Club, Christian Coalition.

Public Interest Groups Many arose out of the activism of the 1960s. Purport to act in the public interest. Common Cause--ensure electoral reform Ralph Nadar’s Public Interest Research Groups investigate corporate abuse. Often are ideological, as well, with a very clear political point of view.

Foreign Policy Interest Groups Groups formed to influence American foreign policy. America-Israel Political Action Committee is one of the biggest. Lobbies for support of Israel. Counterpart is National Association of Arab Americans.

Government Interest Groups Governments below the federal level and Governmental employees lobby the federal government. National Governors Association National League of Cities National Association of Counties.

Characteristics and Power of Interest Groups Potential impact of an interest group depends on Size Breadth, reasons for membership, passion, competition resources cohesiveness leadership techniques

Techniques used by Interest Groups Publicity and Mass Media Appeals Mass Mailing Influence on Rule Making Litigation Election Activities Cooperative Lobbying

Lobbying and Lobbyists

What do lobbyists do? Provide information for decision makers Help educate and mobilize public opinion Help prepare legislation and write many bills introduced in Congress Testify before legislative hearings Contribute funds to campaigns

Lobbyists Lobbyists defined. Background and training. Revolving Door Iron Triangles. Interest groups Staffers (and sometimes Congressmen) on congressional subcommittees Mid to high-level employees of executive agencies.

Role of Lobbyists Influence lawmakers Provide Money Represent the people Provide Information Political That represents their agenda

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Political Action Committees (PACs) PACs are the political arm on an interest group that is legally entitled to raise funds PACs are the primary means by which interest groups seek to influence which legislators are elected and how they vote once they take office.

The Growth of PACs PACs were invented in the 1930s by labor organizations PACs exploded in the 1970s going from about 150 to over 4000.

 PACs That Gave the Most to Federal Candidates, 2000–2004 (millions of dollars)

How PACs invest their money PACs tend to spend their money in ways that are most likely to benefit their interests. Thus, candidates most likely to get money from PACs are Members of committees dealing with subject mater important to PAC Party leaders Friendly lawmakers in tough elections Incumbents over challengers because incumbents are more likely to win (which helps this be a self-fulfilling prophesy)

Spending limits PACs can only give 10K per candidate, but no limit on the total they can give. Raising money from PACs is more efficient than raising from individuals because PACs are more likely to give the max. PACs can also help candidates by hosting fund-raising events to get individuals to donate and by bundling donations from other individual donors

Other Modes of Electioneering Issue ads: Independent Expenditures: 527 Organizations: 501 (c) organizations