1. The Primary Goal of Interest Groups
An interest group is an organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy
Organization: Interest Groups are organized. There is a structure with a heirarchy.
Common Interest: Interest Groups can have one narrow interest (NRA) or a broader range (Sierra Club).
Influence Public Policy: Interest Groups attempt to get the government to pass (or not pass) laws that impact their interests.

2. Factors That Promote Interest Groups
Size and Diversity of the Country
Decentralized Power
Increasing Weakness of Parties
Variety of Ethnic Groups
Diversity of Religious Groups
Separation of Powers
Federalism

3. Why such growth?
Broad Economic Developments Create New Interests and Redefine Old Interests
Farmers became politically active
Mass-Production Industries lead to unions
Government Policy
Wars create Veterans who demand benefits
Strong Leaders in Social Movements
Religious Revival (1830s) Civil Rights (1960s)
Expanding Role of Government
Public Interest Lobbies as government involves itself in more areas.

4. Why Join Interest Groups (Incentives)
All interest groups deal with the Free Rider problem.
Free riders are persons in the general public who benefit from the efforts without joining the organization (no financial or membership effort)
Reasons
Solidary Incentives (Companionship)
Material Incentives (Benefits)
Purposive Incentives (Goals)

5. Parties and Interest Groups
Both are linkage institutions (links average citizen with government activities)
But differ in fundamental goals
Parties: Elect members to government
Interest Groups: Influence policy of government
Interest Groups can often work as a support system to help parties achieve their goals

6. Interest Group Tactics
Insider Strategy
Outsider Strategy
Providing Information
Earmarks in Legislation
Expenditures
Litigation
Money and PACs
Grassroots mobilization
Protests
Endorsements
Civil Disobedience

7. Providing Information
The single most important tactic of Interest Groups is supplying credible information to legislators
Detailed, current information at a premium and can build or destroy a legislator-lobbyist relationship
Most effective on narrow, technical issues
Often presented in briefings, papers, or Congressional Hearings

8. Earmarks in Legislation
Lobbyists use the exchange of information to convince members of Congress to draft special provisions in legislation to benefit their clients, called Earmarks
Types of Earmarks
Contracts
Tax Exemption/Loopholes
Exemption from Regulations

9. Litigation (Using the Courts)
Bringing a Law Suit
When issues include “rights” held by citizens court cases are often brought up (Brown v. Board of Education by NAACP)
Used often when a group does not have “access to legislators” or strong popular support
Sets a precedent that lasts beyond that case.
Amicus Curare briefs
Means “friend of court”
Submit written legal arguments to the Court during cases that concern the interest.

10. PACs and Money Political Action Committees (PACs)
Organizations created by business firms, labor unions, trade associations, ideological groups, and interest groups
Goal is to provide campaign contributions to candidates
Although regulated as of 2009 there were 4,611 PACs operating

11. PACs and Money
Money is the least effective way to influence politicians
Due to growth in PACs more overall money available on all sides of the issues.
Politicians establish their own PACs to advance their cause.
Have largest chance of influence when issue is of little concern to voters
½ of PACs sponsored by corporations, 1/10 of PACs sponsored by unions.
PACs tend to support incumbents

12. Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

13. Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

14. Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org
NOTE: The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organizations' PACs, their individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.

15. Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

16. Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

17. Grassroots Mobilization
Although insider strategies more common there is a larger use of outsider strategy
Congress members more individualistic
Modern Technology makes it easier
Politicians dislike controversy so work with interest groups they agree with
Interest Groups target “undecided” legislators and/or legislators in marginal districts
Some groups attack their likely allies to embarrass them
“Voter Guides” given to members of interest group

18. Civil Disobedience Tactics have been used more frequently since 1960s
Generally more accepted (As long as not violent or causes disruption to an individual)
Goals
Disrupt institution and force negotiations
Enlist the support of others
Create martyrs to draw public support

19. How Interest Groups Influence Policy
Give Information to Policymakers
The single most important tactic interest groups can provide is to supply credible information to policymakers in government
Most effective on narrow, technical issues
Establish political cues regarding what values are at stake.
Generate rating systems to generate support or opposition to legislators.

20. Who uses the various tactics?
Grassroots Mobilization: Groups that may have less financial means but have large numbers of members.
Campaign Contributions: Groups that have large financial resources.
Earmarks: Interest Groups with access to government Often done on technical issues that voters have little information or concern for.
Providing Information: All Interest Groups who have access to government. More effective on technical issues.
Litigation- Issues in which rights are involved. Groups that have little public support and/or little access to government.

21. Pros/Cons for Lobbyists
Deliver Information to Legislators
Magnify Individual’s Voices
Cons
Perception of Corruption
Influence of Money on Politics