Pearson Longman PoliticalScienceInteractive Shea, Green, and Smith Living Democracy, Second Edition Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Interest Groups Motivation to Join Interest Groups Single-issue interest groups Multi-issue interest groups

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Pathways of Action: LULAC League of United Latin American Citizens Founded councils, 115,000 members Successful in advocating for Latinos Provides services, encourages volunteerism

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Functions of Interest Groups in a Democratic Society 1.Represent constituents 2.Provide means of political participation 3.Educate the public 4.Agenda building 5.Serving as government watchdogs Five functions of interest groups in the United States

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups The Interest Group Explosion 1959: 5, : 10, : 14,726 Mid-1990s: 22,200 Why has there been such a large growth in interest groups over the last 40 years? Number of national-level interest group organizations in the United States

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Types of Interest Groups Economic Groups Public Interest Groups Think Tanks and Universities Governmental Units

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Difficulties in Mobilization Mancur Olson, The Logic of Collective Action (1971) – Free-rider problem – Cost of group formation – Lack of a sense of political efficacy What are some of the barriers to collective action?

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Overcoming Organizational Barriers Selective benefits can be used to overcome organizational barriers Material benefits Solidary benefits Purposive benefits

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Overcoming Organizational Barriers Membership Required Unions are a good example. Some employers make agreements to only hire union workers.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups The Role of Interest Group Leaders Cesar Chavez and the UFW Grew up as a migrant worker 1962, organized National Farm Workers Association UFW formed from NFWA and other organizations Led march across California Hunger strike

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Pathways of Change From Around the World: Kris Woodall Worked with Richard Ellarby to found the Coalition of Hull’s Young People Worked to change city ordinances, and to help an Afghani asylum seeker

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Inside and Outside Lobbying Inside Lobbying Openly appealing to public officials in the legislature and executive branches. Involves “gaining access” to an insider in the lawmaking process. Outside Lobbying Appealing directly to the public in order to influence officials. 90 percent of interest groups engage in this type of lobbying.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Student Profile: Alia Alnahas High school student 2006, founded United Student Activists Peace through nonviolent political action, healthy energy sources, healthy environment

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Pathways Profile: Recording Artists Coalition Founded in 1998 by Don Henley and Sheryl Crow Represents recording artists Uses legal pathways, grassroots mobilization, and public events

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Grassroots Mobilization Pathway Grassroots Mobilization The identification, recruitment, and mobilization of constituent-based political strength capable of influencing political decisions.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Traditional Tactics 1.Direct contact 2.Direct mail 3.Events and activities 4.Mass demonstrations 5.Boycotts 6.Litigation Grassroots Mobilization Pathway

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Newer Tools 1.Advertorials 2.Advertising 3.Sponsored television shows 4.Blogs 5. campaigns 6.Use of Internet to organize Grassroots Mobilization Pathway

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Campaign Activities Most interest groups take part in electoral politics by rating and endorsing candidates.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups Interest Group Influence

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second EditionCopyright 2009 Pearson Longman Chapter 13: Interest Groups The Importance of Money in Mobilization Uses of Money – Money is needed to recruit members, hire staff, rent offices, pay overhead, and raise additional funds. – Groups with large resources often have an advantage. Fundraising Tactics – Dues from members, direct mailings, direct contact, personal appeals, Internet fundraising, and sale of goods and services