What is the purpose of Interest Groups? What is their effect on the American Political System?

What you need to know What make IGs successful? What methods do IGs use? What types of IGs are there?

Reputation of Interest Groups The writers of the Constitution disliked organized groups (factions)- parties and interest groups. Dishonest lobbyists get more press than the honest ones- even though there are far more honest lobbyists. The term “lobbying” in general has negative connotations.

Types of Interest Groups Economic/Trade Interests Work for the interest of those involved in their area Labor Unions, Business Organizations, Industries Public Interests Environmental, Equality, and Consumer Rights Work for the collective good Single Issue Fight for the interests of one specific issue

What Makes an Interest Group Successful? Intensity Single-Issue groups: Groups that focus on a narrow interest and dislike compromise. Groups may focus on an emotional issue, providing them with a psychological advantage. May be more likely to use protests and other means of political participation than traditional interest groups that use lobbyists.

What Makes an Interest Group Successful? Financial Resources Not all groups have equal amounts of money. Monetary donations usually translate into access to the politicians- a phone call, a meeting, etc. There is a bias towards the wealthier groups.

How Groups Try to Shape Policy Electioneering (Affecting an election) Interest groups can donate campaign funds. Lobbyists can help politicians plan political strategies for reelection campaigns. Interest groups can run advertisements supporting a candidate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjV2AWzBQNo Lobbying (Making Changes in Government) Lobbyists are a source of information for upcoming legislation. Lobbyists can provide ideas and innovations that can be turned into policies that the politician can take credit for.

How Groups Try to Shape Policy Litigation If an interest group fails in one area, the courts may be able to provide a remedy. Interest groups can file amicus curiae briefs in court cases to support their position. Going Public/Gaining Public Support Groups try and cultivate a good public image. Groups use marketing strategies to influence public opinion of the group and its issues. Groups will purchase advertising to motivate the public about an issue.

What Makes an Interest Group UNsuccessful? The Surprising Ineffectiveness of Large Groups Free-Rider problem Large groups are difficult to keep organized. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdt6Jj64TVU

The Interest Group Explosion 1959- 6000 2001- 22,000 Figure 11.3

Understanding Interest Groups Interest Groups and Democracy A wide open government would force groups to compete and counterbalance each other. (Pluralist Theory) Some argue that all of these groups working against each other cause policy gridlock. (Hyper pluralist Theory) Others argue that groups are not equal and some have disproportionate power. (Elite and Class Theory)

Understanding Interest Groups Interest Groups and the Scope of Government Interest groups continue to pressure/lobby the government to do more for their group’s interest. But as the government does more things for each group, does that cause the formation of more groups?