CHAPTER 11 Interest Groups

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning Learning Objectives Assess the function of interest groups as a mechanism by which groups of people attempt to influence government to advance shared goals Define pluralism as the theory that public policy is largely the product of a variety of different interest groups competing with one another to promote laws that benefit members of their respective groups Compare and contrast both the benefits and criticisms of the interest-group system in the United States Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning Learning Objectives Identify the reasons for the growth of interest groups in the United States during the twentieth century Evaluate the critical role interest groups play in influencing policymaking through structures such as iron triangles and issue networks Identify solidary benefits as one of the reasons people join interest groups Assess the factors that contribute to each interest group’s level of influence on policy Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning Learning Objectives Distinguish between economic interest groups and noneconomic interest groups according to their primary purpose and cite examples of each type of group Explain the “free rider” problem that many interest groups face Identify the activities interest groups engage in to achieve their goals and influence public policy Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pluralism and the Interest Group System What Is an Interest Group? Organization of people with shared goals Tries to influence public policy Way to advance their interest GOP Presidential candidate Rick Santorum addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) during his nomination campaign. CPAC and Santorum have been big advocates for conservative social policies. Kevin Dietsch/UPI/Landov Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pluralism and the Interest Group System Theory that public policy results from interest groups competing with one another Majoritarianism Theory that public policy is a product of what majorities of citizens prefer Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pluralism and the Interest Group System The Pros of Interest Groups Provide all groups with an opportunity to win support for their ideas and positions Joining and working for the interests of a group is a natural inclination for citizens Association is protected by the First Amendment Fair system that provides an equitable opportunity Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pluralism and the Interest Group System 2012 GOP presidential contender Newt Gingrich was criticized by fellow GOP candidates for being a lobbyist for the controversial Fannie Mae. Gingrich, shown above, dismissed these criticisms at a Republican debate, claiming that he was not a lobbyist, but rather a “historian” for Fannie Mae. Mark Wilson/Getty Images Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pluralism and the Interest Group System The Cons of Interest Groups Groups supported by the wealthy have greater resources Promotes advancement of interests that don’t always strive for the common good Large corporations dominate the system Amount of groups slows policy making Leaders are not elected Concentrate benefits for the few while distributing costs to the many Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pluralism and the Interest Group System Interest Groups versus Political Parties Differ in two important ways Interest groups do not run candidates for office Groups focus narrowly on special issues while parties are guided by broader approaches Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pluralism and the Interest Group System Social Movements Many movements have been propelled by interest group activities Civil rights Women’s rights Movements have been Political Economic Social Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning Women and children in 1890 labor at a food processing plant. Lewis W. Hine/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Interest Groups in Action The Growth of Interest Groups Government growth leads to growth of interest groups New Deal Great Society Opportunities for interest group influence have expanded Interest groups finance campaigns Political Action Committees Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Interest Groups in Action Iron Triangle Congressional committees and subcommittees assigned to a specific policy area Executive agencies administering policies in this area Interest groups seeking to influence policy area Depend on one another for support and influence Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

The Iron Triangle of Policymaking Figure 11.1 Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Interest Groups in Action Issue networks Broad array of actors that have a vested interest in an area of public policy Includes congressional staff and media members Try to influence a policy area Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Interest Groups in Action Membership in Groups Number of Americans in interest groups is high Tend to have higher incomes and greater resources Can favor upper classes of society Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Interest Groups in Action Reasons for membership Material benefits Purposive benefits Solidary benefits Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Interest Groups in Action What Makes Some Groups More Powerful Than Others? Size of the membership Wealth of the members Dedication of members to the goals of the group Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Types of Interest Groups Economic Groups Business Groups Trade Associations Free Riders Labor Unions Open Shop Closed Shop Union Shops Professional Associations Pictured above are railroad workers on strike in southeastern Pennsylvania in November 2009. The strike shut down bus, train, and trolley service in Philadelphia. (newscom) Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Types of Interest Groups Noneconomic Groups Public interest groups Ralph Nader Issues and ideological groups National Right to Life Committee American Civil Liberties Union Government interest groups National League of Cities Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

How Interest Groups Achieve Their Goals Lobbying Provide information and expertise to public officials Try to convince officials to vote or act in a manner favorable to their interest Essential part of the American political system Grassroots lobbying Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Big Givers to Campaigns These ten organizations were the biggest contributors to American political campaigns between 1989 and 2012. AT&T, the National Association of Realtors and Goldman Sachs gave about equally to Democrats and Republicans, whereas the remaining top ten givers heavily tilted toward giving to Democratic Party candidates. None of the top ten tilted toward the GOP. (Center for Responsive Politics, February, 2012) Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

How Interest Groups Achieve Their Goals Supporting Candidates/Parties in Elections Provide financing, resources, and endorsements Litigation Initiate lawsuits and file amicus curiae briefs Persuasion Campaigns Use media campaigns to persuade the public Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning