Chapter 9 Review Interest Groups
How does PAC spending on campaign funds compare to that of presidential campaign funds?
PAC spending makes ups a much higher percentage in congressional races
How come most civil rights groups don’t need lobbyists?
Due to the civil rights legislation that has been passed, they can achieve their desires through the courts
Regarding issue networks, what governmental groups are included in lobbyists attempts to influence?
Congressional committees, governmental and non-governmental bureaucratic agencies
What is the “revolving door” in politics?
When a government official leaves office, they join a firm they’ve been doing business with, often becoming lobbyists themselves. (Joel Gambria and former Buffalo Mayor Massiello are two prime examples)
How much can PACs contribute to a candidate’s congressional campaign?
$5000 in the primary and $5000 in the general election
What is the ACLU?
The American Civil Liberties Union. A group that is less than popular, because they sometimes support the unpopular cause, removing “Under God” in the pledge, is one example.
Where do PACs spend most of their campaign money?
Mostly to incumbents. The devil you know beats the devil you don’t know.
The revolving door of politics raises a key concern of many. What is that concern?
A clear conflict of interest between lobbyists and these officials, who might be feathering their bed, in the event they lose an election.
Why don’t special interest group lobby a Supreme Court Justice?
They’re the Supreme Court, they rule on the body of law and the US Constitution, not on public policy
Lobbyists serve an important function, other than getting their way, in regards to public officials. What is the function?
They provide specialized and important information to officials, that they may not have access to otherwise.
What is a “grass roots campaign”?
It is when a large number of citizens begin to contact politicians on a single issue or cause, where the support and ground swell begin from the people.
How is the NRA, NOW, Democratic Party, the Green Party and AARP similar?
They are all key components that promote democracy by linking the citizens of America to the political process
Over the past thirty years or so, these interest groups have increased, and have become the most common type of interest groups.
Economic interest groups (Corporations and unions, for example)
Regardless of jokes to the contrary, politicians are pretty bright people. For the most part, what kind of information do they need from interest groups.
Technical information or industry specific information that they might not otherwise have access to.
You’re now a politician with a rep from the NRA in your office. Why might you not trust everything he/she says?
Because lobbyists are not just there to provide information, but they’re also trying to persuade you. (Cardstacking propaganda tells only one side of a story)
What did the great James Madison think of factions (or as we call them, interest groups)?
They were a dangerous part of the governmental process, but because of the system we have, were pretty much unavoidable.
How do lobbyists help contribute to the legislative process in a positive way?
They’re an important source of information, can help pass legislation that will help the people they represent, they help politicians get re-elected, they are a great source of ideas and innovations that can bring new ideas to Congress
How do lobbyists try to influence lawmakers?
Providing needed information, give expert testimony on issues, file amicus curiae briefs to members of the judiciary, give money to candidates, create ratings/rankings on how candidates support specific issues, create media opportunities, use Internet and direct mail for support, aid campaign fundraisers
How would the NRA accomplish its goals?
Probably mostly with money to campaigns for support, file amicus curiae briefs to protect their interpretation of the Second Amendment, using the media to support its position. (Remember John Kerry’s hunting trip? Hmmm?) Also, perhaps lobby bureaucrats responsible for enforcing codes and regulations regarding purchase and use of firearms.
How might lobbyists detract from the legislative process?
Can gridlock the process, cause conflicts of interest between competing interests, give misleading information, unduly influence legislators with the promise of money. Remember Bush’s plan on saving Social Security? AARP cause the debate to go away.
The End