Chapter 11- Interest Groups Objective – Students will be able to answer questions regarding the interest groups. SECTION © 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc.

Interest Groups Interest groups want to PASS POLICY American Government Interest groups want to PASS POLICY BUT don’t run their own candidates for office Interest groups can “access,” or influence many points and levels of government

Interest Group Examples American Government AARP (American Association of Retired People) Sierra Club (Environment) NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) NOW (National Organization of Women) ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) NEA (National Education Association) AMA (American Medical Association) Thousands of interest groups in the US

Sierra Club American Government

United Auto Workers (UAW) American Government

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) American Government

American Association of Retired People (AARP) American Government

National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) American Government

Interest Group Politics American Government Are interest groups good or bad for Americans politics? Pluralism, Elitism, and Hyperpluralism

Interest Groups and Pluralism Theory American Government Many interests and groups prevents one from being too powerful Linkage Institution – links people and government, gives voice to people Federalist 10 – factions are bad, but a necessary evil All groups are not equal, but gives voice

Interest Groups and Elitism Theory American Government Yes, there are lots of groups, but many do not matter AT ALL Power held by business groups – MONEY Most interest groups have no power

Interest Groups and Hyperpluralism American Government Interest groups causing political chaos TOO MANY GROUPS Government trying to please everyone, resulting policies are haphazard and ill-conceived Ex. – support removing business regulations and support environment protection??? impossible

What makes Interest Groups powerful? American Government Size Power of AARP – 25% of the population 50 and over Intensity – drive or effort put forth (single issue groups fall into this category) Money form a PAC (Political Action Committee) – donate money to campaigns and advertising

Types of Interest Groups American Government Economic – Labor unions, agricultural, Business, Professional Consumer – public interest, environmental Equality and Justice – racial issues, gender issues, minority issues

How Interest Groups Work American Government Lobby – (aka Buttonholing) influence government policy Ex - call/email officials, meet and socialize, go to lunch, testify at committee hearings, ask for political favors Electioneering – keep people in office who are sympathetic to group wants and needs Ex. - GIVE MONEY TO CAMPAIGNS

How Interest Groups Work American Government Litigation – (aka amicus curiae – “friends of the court”) (1) File briefs that consist of a written argument for their side OR… (2) groups sue business or gov for action Appealing to the public – make the group’s own public image look good The “Ratings Game” – interest groups rate politicians based on voting records

How do Interest groups get money? American Government Donations (YOU!) Foundations Ex. - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation Federal grants and contracts

Results Total Dem% GOP% Business 75% 42% 57% Labor 6% 94% Ideological American Government Total Dem% GOP% Business 75% $1,233,136,672 42% 57% Labor 6% $90,105,425 94% Ideological 5% $75,920,267 51% 49% Other 9% $144,991,377 38% 60% Unknown $92,861,587 30% 67% Campaign contributions from PAC, Soft Money, and Donations – 2000 elections

The Revolving Door A criticism of interest groups American Government A criticism of interest groups Government officials quit their jobs or don’t get reelected Then take government jobs for a certain lobbying agency Fear that private interests by business have an unfair influence on gov decisions Ex- official does favor in return for later job

Section Assessment What is an interest group? What is their role in the U.S. political system? 2. Do you think interest groups are good or bad for democracy? Why?

Summary: In a paragraph, describe what you have learned today.