Interest Groups AP Government Unit 4

Interest groupsInterest groups are organizations that seek a collective good, and which will not selectively or materially benefit the members. An interest group“An interest group is an organization made up of people who share common objectives and who actively attempt to influence government policymakers through direct and indirect methods.” “Interest Group is an organization of people with similar policy goals that tries to influence the political process to try to achieve those goals.”“Interest Group is an organization of people with similar policy goals that tries to influence the political process to try to achieve those goals.” What is an Interest Group??

What SHOULD Interest Groups do?: Promote interest in public affairs Provide useful information Serve as watchdogs Represent the interest of Citizens

What do Interest Groups do? Try to influence public policy Try to influence public policy Lobbyists try and persuade public officials to believe a specific view Lobbyists try and persuade public officials to believe a specific view Every branch and every level of government is affected by interest groups Every branch and every level of government is affected by interest groups

Interest Groups have been criticized for… Ignoring the wider interest of society Ignoring the wider interest of society Producing confusion and deadlock in Congress Producing confusion and deadlock in Congress Generating so much emotion that they make reasoned discussion difficult Generating so much emotion that they make reasoned discussion difficult Having too much influence Having too much influence

Political Parties vs. Interest Groups Political Parties Nominate candidates Want to win elections Concerned with many issues Interest Groups Don’t nominate Want to influence policies Concerned with one issue

Lobbyists A Lobbyist is someone whose task it is to influence legislation or policymaking A Lobbyist is someone whose task it is to influence legislation or policymaking Generally works for an interest group Generally works for an interest group Lobbyists are hired by: Lobbyists are hired by: Businesses Businesses Trade associations Trade associations Colleges or universities Colleges or universities Foreign countries Foreign countries Anyone else wanting their voice heard on policy matters (Health issues, parent issues…) Anyone else wanting their voice heard on policy matters (Health issues, parent issues…)

What Lobbyists SHOULD Do A lobbyist must be honest and truthful if he or she wants to remain effective. A lobbyist must be honest and truthful if he or she wants to remain effective. Access to lawmakers is critical and if a lobbyist gets a reputation of being untruthful or disingenuous legislators doors will close. Access to lawmakers is critical and if a lobbyist gets a reputation of being untruthful or disingenuous legislators doors will close. Good lobbyists will also make lawmakers aware of the downsides of a bill and the arguments on the other side as well. Good lobbyists will also make lawmakers aware of the downsides of a bill and the arguments on the other side as well. And I have some swamp land in Florida for sale for a GREAT price!! And I have some swamp land in Florida for sale for a GREAT price!!

The Development of American Interest Groups Interest groups have been part of the American political landscape since the country’s founding. Interest groups have been part of the American political landscape since the country’s founding. The open nature of the American government invites organized political participation. The open nature of the American government invites organized political participation. James Madison in Federalist #10 argued that no one group should get control over other groups. James Madison in Federalist #10 argued that no one group should get control over other groups.

The Roots and Development of American Interest Groups National Groups Emerge ( ) National Groups Emerge ( ) The beginnings of lobbying and interest groups The beginnings of lobbying and interest groups Anti-Slavery groups Anti-Slavery groups Temperance Groups Temperance Groups The Grange The Grange The Progressive Era ( ) The Progressive Era ( ) Important groups created Important groups created Organized Labor Organized Labor The American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886) The American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886) Business and Trade Associations Business and Trade Associations The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) (1895) The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) (1895)

The Rise of the Interest Group State ( ) The Rise of the Interest Group State ( ) A new sense of progressivism A new sense of progressivism ACLU, Common Cause, NAACP ACLU, Common Cause, NAACP Religious and Ideological Groups Religious and Ideological Groups Christian Coalition, Moral Majority Christian Coalition, Moral Majority Business Groups, Trade and Professional Associations Business Groups, Trade and Professional Associations Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable Organized Labor Organized Labor AFL-CIO AFL-CIO Teamsters Teamsters The Roots and Development of American Interest Groups

Why People Join Interest Groups 1.Solidary Incentives For the social contacts League of Women Voters, NAACP, PTSA, American Legion 2.Material Incentives For economic reasons AARP, Farmers Groups, Labor Unions 3.Purposive Incentives For moral causes / crusades Right to-Life, Pro-Choice, Greenpeace

Who Joins Interest Groups? Upper class interest groups- Big Business Upper class interest groups- Big Business More affluent join and are active More affluent join and are active White collar workers White collar workers Professional groups Professional groups Working class interest groups- Big Labor Working class interest groups- Big Labor Labor unions have been very powerful in past Labor unions have been very powerful in past The AFL-CIO broke up in 2004, cutting big labor’s power The AFL-CIO broke up in 2004, cutting big labor’s power

Important Interest Groups to Know Emily’s List- Early money is like yeast – makes the Dough rise (Democratic women) Emily’s List- Early money is like yeast – makes the Dough rise (Democratic women) AARP- American Association of Retired persons AARP- American Association of Retired persons NRA- National Rifle Association NRA- National Rifle Association ACLU- American Civil Liberties Union ACLU- American Civil Liberties Union NAACP- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Sierra Club- Environmental advocate group Sierra Club- Environmental advocate group AFL-CIO- American Federation of Labor AFL-CIO- American Federation of Labor

Others- and Links! AFL-CIO AFL-CIO AFL-CIO Alliance for Justice Alliance for Justice Alliance for Justice Alliance for Justice American-Arab Anti- Discrimination Committee (ADC) American-Arab Anti- Discrimination Committee (ADC) American-Arab Anti- Discrimination Committee (ADC) American-Arab Anti- Discrimination Committee (ADC) American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Bankers Association (ABA) American Bankers Association (ABA) American Bankers Association (ABA) American Bankers Association (ABA) American Bar Association American Bar Association American Bar Association American Bar Association American Civil Liberties Union American Civil Liberties Union American Civil Liberties Union American Civil Liberties Union American Chemical Society American Chemical Society American Chemical Society American Chemical Society American Conservative Union American Conservative Union American Conservative Union American Conservative Union American Farm Bureau Federation American Farm Bureau Federation American Farm Bureau Federation American Farm Bureau Federation American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) American Federation of Teachers (AFT) American Federation of Teachers (AFT) American Federation of Teachers (AFT) American Federation of Teachers (AFT) American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) American Israel Public Affairs Committee American Israel Public Affairs Committee American Israel Public Affairs Committee American Israel Public Affairs Committee American Legion American Legion American Legion American Legion American Petroleum Institute American Petroleum Institute American Petroleum Institute American Petroleum Institute American Postal Workers Union (APWU) American Postal Workers Union (APWU) American Postal Workers Union (APWU) American Postal Workers Union (APWU) American Public Welfare Association (APWA) American Public Welfare Association (APWA) American Public Welfare Association (APWA) American Public Welfare Association (APWA) Americans Against Political Corruption Americans Against Political Corruption Americans Against Political Corruption Americans Against Political Corruption Americans for Democratic Action Americans for Democratic Action Americans for Democratic Action Americans for Democratic Action Amnesty International Amnesty International Amnesty International Amnesty International Animal Rights Coalition Animal Rights Coalition Animal Rights Coalition Animal Rights Coalition Catholics United for Life Catholics United for Life Catholics United for Life Catholics United for Life Center for Democracy and Technology Center for Democracy and Technology Center for Democracy and Technology Center for Democracy and Technology Center for Public Integrity Center for Public Integrity Center for Public Integrity Center for Public Integrity Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) Children's Defense Fund Children's Defense Fund Children's Defense Fund Children's Defense Fund Child Labor Coalition Child Labor Coalition Child Labor Coalition Child Labor Coalition Child Welfare League of America Child Welfare League of America Child Welfare League of America Child Welfare League of America Christian Coalition Christian Coalition Christian Coalition Christian Coalition Citizens Against Government Waste Citizens Against Government Waste Citizens Against Government Waste Citizens Against Government Waste Citizens for Budget Reform (CBR) Citizens for Budget Reform (CBR) Citizens for Budget Reform (CBR) Citizens for Budget Reform (CBR) Citizens for Tax Justice Citizens for Tax Justice Citizens for Tax Justice Citizens for Tax Justice Communications Workers of America (CWA) Communications Workers of America (CWA) Communications Workers of America (CWA) Communications Workers of America (CWA) ConflictNet ConflictNet ConflictNet Concord Coalition Concord Coalition Concord Coalition Concord Coalition Congressional Accountability Project Congressional Accountability Project Congressional Accountability Project Congressional Accountability Project Contract with America Contract with America Contract with America Contract with America Bowling Green State University Coalition Against the Contract [ Bowling Green State University Coalition Against the Contract [ Bowling Green State University Coalition Against the Contract Bowling Green State University Coalition Against the Contract "Contract on America" (book by Ann-Marie Rosato) "Contract on America" (book by Ann-Marie Rosato) "Contract on America" (book by Ann-Marie Rosato) "Contract on America" (book by Ann-Marie Rosato) Council for Responsible Genetics Council for Responsible Genetics Council for Responsible Genetics Council for Responsible Genetics Death Penalty Information Center Death Penalty Information Center Death Penalty Information Center Death Penalty Information Center EcoNet EcoNet EcoNet Electronic Frontier Foundation Electronic Frontier Foundation Electronic Frontier Foundation Electronic Frontier Foundation EMILY's List EMILY's List EMILY's List EMILY's List Empower America Empower America Empower America Empower America Environmental Defense Fund Environmental Defense Fund Environmental Defense Fund Environmental Defense Fund Family Farm Alliance Family Farm Alliance Family Farm Alliance Family Farm Alliance Federation For American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Federation For American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Federation For American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Federation For American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Feminist Majority Foundation Online Feminist Majority Foundation Online Feminist Majority Foundation Online Feminist Majority Foundation Online Friends of the Earth Friends of the Earth Friends of the Earth Friends of the Earth Fund for Constitutional Government Fund for Constitutional Government Fund for Constitutional Government Fund for Constitutional Government Generation X Coalition Generation X Coalition Generation X Coalition Generation X Coalition Government Purchasing Project Government Purchasing Project Government Purchasing Project Government Purchasing Project National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Coalition for the Homeless National Coalition for the Homeless National Coalition for the Homeless National Coalition for the Homeless National Education Association (NEA) National Education Association (NEA) National Education Association (NEA) National Education Association (NEA) National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition National Gay and Lesbian Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW) National Organization for Women (NOW) National Organization for Women (NOW) National Organization for Women (NOW) National Recycling Coalition National Recycling Coalition National Recycling Coalition National Recycling Coalition National Resources Defense Council National Resources Defense Council National Resources Defense Council National Resources Defense Council National Right to Life National Right to Life National Right to Life National Right to Life National Rifle Association National Rifle Association National Rifle Association National Rifle Association National Rural Electric Cooperative Association National Rural Electric Cooperative Association National Rural Electric Cooperative Association National Rural Electric Cooperative Association National Water Resources Association National Water Resources Association National Water Resources Association National Water Resources Association Nuclear Waste Citizens Coalition Nuclear Waste Citizens Coalition Nuclear Waste Citizens Coalition Nuclear Waste Citizens Coalition Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) PeaceNet PeaceNet PeaceNet People For the American Way People For the American Way People For the American Way People For the American Way People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Physicians for a National Health Program Physicians for a National Health Program Physicians for a National Health Program Physicians for a National Health Program Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood Public Citizen Public Citizen Public Citizen Public Citizen Public Interest Research Groups Public Interest Research Groups Public Interest Research Groups Public Interest Research Groups Service Employees International Union Service Employees International Union Service Employees International Union Service Employees International Union Sheet Metal Workers International Association Sheet Metal Workers International Association Sheet Metal Workers International Association Sheet Metal Workers International Association Sierra Club Sierra Club Sierra Club Sierra Club Society for Electronic Access (SEA) Society for Electronic Access (SEA) Society for Electronic Access (SEA) Society for Electronic Access (SEA) Society for Human Resource Management Society for Human Resource Management Society for Human Resource Management Society for Human Resource Management Taxpayers Against Fraud Taxpayers Against Fraud Taxpayers Against Fraud Taxpayers Against Fraud Teledemocracy Action News + Network Teledemocracy Action News + Network Teledemocracy Action News + Network Teledemocracy Action News + Network United Autoworkers Workers (UAW) United Autoworkers Workers (UAW) United Autoworkers Workers (UAW) United Autoworkers Workers (UAW) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) United Mine Workers of America (UMW) United Mine Workers of America (UMW) United Mine Workers of America (UMW) United Mine Workers of America (UMW) United States Space Foundation United States Space Foundation United States Space Foundation United States Space Foundation Vietnam Veterans of America Vietnam Veterans of America Vietnam Veterans of America Vietnam Veterans of America Women's Legal and Public Policy Information Women's Legal and Public Policy Information Women's Legal and Public Policy Information Women's Legal and Public Policy Information WomensNet WomensNet WomensNet GreenNet (environmental) GreenNet (environmental) GreenNet (environmental) GreenNet (environmental) Greenpeace International Greenpeace International Greenpeace International Greenpeace International Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity Hollywood Women's Political Committee - HWPC Hollywood Women's Political Committee - HWPC Hollywood Women's Political Committee - HWPC Hollywood Women's Political Committee - HWPC International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers International Brotherhood of Teamsters International Brotherhood of Teamsters International Brotherhood of Teamsters International Brotherhood of Teamsters International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers LaborNet LaborNet LaborNet League of Conservation Voters League of Conservation Voters League of Conservation Voters League of Conservation Voters League of Women Voters' Voter Education Project League of Women Voters' Voter Education Project League of Women Voters' Voter Education Project League of Women Voters' Voter Education Project Majority '96 Majority '96 Majority '96 Majority '96 Militia Watchdog Militia Watchdog Militia Watchdog Militia Watchdog National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) National Air Traffic Controllers Association National Air Traffic Controllers Association National Air Traffic Controllers Association National Air Traffic Controllers Association National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Association for Public Interest Law National Association for Public Interest Law National Association for Public Interest Law National Association for Public Interest Law National Association of Arab Americans National Association of Arab Americans National Association of Arab Americans National Association of Arab Americans National Association of Baby Boomers National Association of Baby Boomers National Association of Baby Boomers National Association of Baby Boomers National Association of Broadcasters National Association of Broadcasters National Association of Broadcasters National Association of Broadcasters National Association of Community Action Agencies National Association of Community Action Agencies National Association of Community Action Agencies National Association of Community Action Agencies National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

Sites for Research California State Chico About.com

Economic Interest Groups Most interest groups are based on economics Businesses (create favorable environment for business to prosper) Agriculture (work for price supports from gov’t, but also limit gov’t influence) Labor (Call public attention to the legitimate needs of working people. Accomplishments …eight-hour work day …child labor laws …minimum wage laws...workplace health & safety laws) Professional (protect and advance their professional field -- to do this, they...publish journals…give awards for excellence...communicate their opinions to gov’t officials)

Other Types of Interest Groups Cause-based (National Wildlife Federation, League of Women Voters, National Rifle Association, MADD, Emily’s List) Concerned with the welfare of people (AARP – senior citizens, NAACP – African Americans) Religious Organizations (Christian Coalition, American Jewish Congress)

Interest Group Techniques Direct Techniques: Lobby at Capitol Hill Lobby at Capitol Hill Have private meetings Have private meetings Meet at social occasions Meet at social occasions Testify at hearings Testify at hearings Drafting legislation Drafting legislation Providing political info Providing political info Supply nomination suggestions Supply nomination suggestions Indirect Techniques: Generating Public Pressure Generating Public Pressure Use public pressure on “hot button” issues Use public pressure on “hot button” issues Use constituents to call lawmakers Use constituents to call lawmakers Build alliances with other groups Build alliances with other groups

What Makes an Interest Group Successful? 1. Leaders – having a prominent leader aids in the reputation of the group and enhances a group's ability to attain its goals. 2. Patrons and Funding – funding is critical. Without money, it is hard to get your message out. 3. Members – a group must have members to be successful. Organizing members allows for strength in numbers and pooling of financial support.

Where does ALL the $$ Come From in Interest Groups?? Member dues Member dues Federal grants Federal grants Direct mail appeals for cash Direct mail appeals for cash Internet sites Internet sites Dinners and fundraisers Dinners and fundraisers

Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974-Why written? What is it? Written with goal of “leveling playing field” Written with goal of “leveling playing field” Created the Federal Election Commission, Created the Federal Election Commission, Full disclosure required Created “PACs” Created “PACs” Limited Hard Money Limited Hard Money No foreign contributions No foreign contributions Public financing option – Presidential candidates Public financing option – Presidential candidates Problems with the FECA --Soft $ -bundling -1 st Amendment challenges Buckley v. Valeo (1976) - Independent Expenditures (such as issue ads) Result of FECA # of PACs increased dramatically Cost of campaigns has increased at a rate higher than inflation

Sooo….there was an attempt to close the loophole McCain Feingold – McCain Feingold – – Bans soft money – Raised the limits on Hard Money McConnell v. FEC (2003) McConnell v. FEC (2003) McCain Feingold Loopholes 527s 527s Independent Expenditures Independent Expenditures Issue Ads Issue Ads Citizens United v. FEC (2009)

Where does all the $$ Go? AKA If you give you shall receive!!

Regulating Lobbyists Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act Lobbyists must register and file reports Lobbyists must register and file reports Ethics in Government Act Ethics in Government Act Officials must disclose finances and employment after leaving government service Officials must disclose finances and employment after leaving government service The Lobbying Disclosure Act The Lobbying Disclosure Act Must Register and Report clients Must Register and Report clients Estimate how much they are paid Estimate how much they are paid FYI- Approximately 4 Million Dollars were spend lobbying EACH member of Congress in 2005!

Jack Abramoff Scandal “Super-Lobbyist” Abramoff plead guilty to corruption charges in 2006 “Super-Lobbyist” Abramoff plead guilty to corruption charges in 2006 Abramoff pleaded guilty to defrauding the Native American tribes that were his clients, to tax evasion and to conspiring to bribe public officials Abramoff pleaded guilty to defrauding the Native American tribes that were his clients, to tax evasion and to conspiring to bribe public officials He illegally gave gifts and made campaign donations to legislators in return for votes or support of legislation He illegally gave gifts and made campaign donations to legislators in return for votes or support of legislation Several federal officials were also accused and found guilty in the scandal Several federal officials were also accused and found guilty in the scandal

Political Action Committees A popular term for a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. A popular term for a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. Most PACS represent business, labor or ideological interests. Most PACS represent business, labor or ideological interests. PACS are the so-called “political arms” of interest groups PACS are the so-called “political arms” of interest groups The “revolving door” The “revolving door” PACS hire former members of Congress to lobby their old friends, committees, etc… PACS hire former members of Congress to lobby their old friends, committees, etc… This is legal but …Is this Ethical??? This is legal but …Is this Ethical???

Money from PACS PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual, PAC or party committee per calendar year. PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual, PAC or party committee per calendar year. PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate committee per election (primary, general or special). PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate committee per election (primary, general or special). They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. PACS support candidates with campaign money PACS support candidates with campaign money ½ sponsored by corporations; 1/10 by unions ½ sponsored by corporations; 1/10 by unions 1/3 liberal and 2/3 conservative (2001) 1/3 liberal and 2/3 conservative (2001) Incumbents get the most PAC money!! Incumbents get the most PAC money!!

Money Limits Individuals can give up to $2300 to a candidate but PACS can give $5,000 to a candidate Individuals can give up to $2300 to a candidate but PACS can give $5,000 to a candidate Federal money will match presidential campaign money but…. Federal money will match presidential campaign money but…. Parties need at least 5% of vote in previous year for presidential candidate to receive funds Parties need at least 5% of vote in previous year for presidential candidate to receive funds If that doesn’t happen you need PAC’s!!! If that doesn’t happen you need PAC’s!!!