Political Interest Groups --Why Interest Groups Form/Challenges to Formation --The Interest Group Environment --Functions of Interest Groups --How Interest Groups Influence Public Policy 1

Political Interest Groups— Formation I. Definition: A. an organized group of people that seeks to advance its interest through government II. Why Political Interest Groups Form A. Theories of Interest Group Formation 1. Pluralism: (Madison) groups form naturally, all are representedMadison a. critique: empowering the powerful?empowering the powerful 2. Disturbance Theory: groups form in response to changes to the status quo that create threats or opportunities: LPS examplethreatsLPS example 3. Entrepreneurs: interested parties form groups as a “going concern” B. Challenges to Interest Group Formation— “Collective Goods” and “Free Riders.” Definition of a collective good: 1. Distribution of the good is nonexclusive 2. Provision of the good is not affected by individual effort 3. Therefore, joining the interest group is irrational (Costs > Benefits) a. RESULT = “The Free Rider Problem” (The Little Red Hen Problem!) 2

Political Interest Groups-- Formation C. Ways Around the “Free Rider Problem”: 1. Recruit Members with Selective Goods. 3 types: a. Material: palpable, valuable things i. discounts, insurance, etc. b. Solidary: social interactions ii. Meetings, leadership positions, etc. c. Expressive: expressing a position iii. It just makes you “feel good”! 2. Solicit a Sponsor/Subsidy a. Wealthy citizens b. Non-profit foundations c. Corporations d. Government Agencies e. Existing Interest Groups 3

Political Interest Groups-- Environment I. Significant Changes in the past 50 years A. The Power and Influence of Political Interest Groups—Money 1. PACs (Political Action Committees): the electioneering component of political interest groups a. number of PACs—major increase: 1974 = 608, 2009 = = 4600 b. spending by PACs—major increase: 1977/78 = $80 million, 2012 (CONSERVATIVE estimate) = about $1 Billion (including Super PACs)about $1 Billion i. many different types of PACs (business, labor, single-issue, etc.)different types of PACs c. Traditional PACs have $2500 limit per election on donations to candidates 2. Super PACs: a PAC that is allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, individuals and associations. a. spending must be “independent”—usually advocate for/against issues or candidates (still version)usually advocate for/against issues or candidatesstill version b. results from Citizens United decision (2010) c. donors can be anonymous—501(c)(4) “social welfare” groups: “Dark money”501(c)(4) “social welfare” groups i. differences between PACs and Super PACsPACs and Super PACs d. RESULT: MUCH more money flows into the political processMUCH more money 4

Political Interest Groups— Functions I. Functions of Political Interest Groups A. Representation: groups views are taken to government B. Participation: mobilize members 1. “grassroots” lobbying vs. “astroturf” lobbying C. Education: educating different sectors about group’s initiatives 1. government, 2. group members, and 3. the public a. “climate control”climate control D. Agenda Building: demand government attention to group issues 1. Draft legislation E. Program Monitoring: Observe administration of laws affecting the group 1. Police patrol 2. Fire alarm 5

Political Interest Groups— Influencing Public Policy I. Influencing Government: Three Arenas of Power Legislative Branch Administrative (Bureaucracy) Judicial 1. Selection of Officeholders (“get your friends into power”) a. Legislative: through elections, using PACs and votes b. Administrative: through appointments c. Judicial: through appointment (influence “senatorial courtesy”) 2. Lobbying Officeholders (“get the government to do what you want them to do”): providing information a. Legislative—meet with MCs b. Administrative—testify at hearings c. Judicial—amicus curiae briefs II. Influencing the Public: facilitates lobbying the government A. “Climate Control”Climate Control 6