1. Interest Groups (Special Interest Groups, Pressure Groups, Advocacy Groups)
An organization that people join has common interests/goals and tries to influence policy/government officials

3. Pluralism Groups in society that have different views influence policy
Have to come up with a compromise
James Madison – factions – protect minorities against majorities
Hyperpluralism: interest groups mandate or defeat policies
May be good or bad for the public at large

4. Economic Interest Groups Most number of interest groups
Business – government regulation, tax breaks, immigrant workers
Divisive – small vs. large companies
Ex: Chamber of Commerce, National Assoc. of Manufacturers, PhRMA
Agricultural - < 2% pop., immigrants, international trade, protect land
Ex: American Farm Bureau Federation, United Farm Workers (Cesar Chavez)
Labor – unions
Ex: AFL-CIO
Public Employees – Unions
Ex: National Education Association
Professional Organizations –
Ex: American Medical Association, American Bar Association

5. Environmental Interest Groups
Sierra Club – create parks/protect environment/animals
National Wildlife Federation – 5 million members
Greenpeace – more radical
Clean Water Action – stop runoff
of lakes/rivers

6. Public Interest Groups For the good of the 320 millions Americans
Consumer Protection – Ralph Nader (GM)
Political Reform and Individual Rights–
Common Cause – make government more accountable to the people
Examples: pushed for 26th Amendment, voter registration
MoveOn.org – liberal group involved in campaigns (started with impeach.)
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) – defend Bill of Rights
Specific People
AARP: American Association of Retired Persons (largest : 38 million)

7. Single Interest Groups
Fighting for one policy
Examples:
National Right to Life Committee
NARAL Pro-Choice America
National Rifle Association
American Israel Public Affairs Committee

9. Foreign Governments

10. What do Interest Groups Do? Government
Pay Lobbyists to access/meet with government officials
Get paid a lot of money to influence government
Revolving door: worked for government then work for interest group
Amicus curiae briefs/Bring lawsuits
Testify in front of Congress for or against legislation
Testify before bureaucratic executive agencies
Rate legislators (Bernie: D- with NRA)
Form coalition with groups that are similar
Free riders: benefit people even if not members

11. K Street Lobbyist Row

15. What do Interest Groups do? Politics
Buy TV ads
Send mail to members
Support candidates running for office: Give money to campaigns, Help run and volunteer on campaigns, Endorse candidates
Socialize with legislators or bureaucrats

16. Indirect Techniques of Interest Groups Grassroots (from the people)
Get the public on the side of their interest
Advertise in media
Hold protests/demonstrations/marches
Climate control – portray their interests
in a good light
Polls and publicize the results
Encourage constituents to write to
congressmen

17. But What is the Most Important Function?
Provide information to Congress/government officials/voters about the issue: THEY DO THE RESEARCH on issues!

18. Iron Triangle Influences on Policy/Laws

19. Issue Network
All who have an interest in a topic and try to influence policy and government officials
Individuals or an organization
Legislators and their staff
Interest Group Leaders
Media
Scholars and Experts
in the topic

21. Regulating Lobbying and Interest Groups
Legislative Reorganization Act 1946:
Lobbyists had to register with gov. & report on activities and tell who client
1995
Define lobbyist (20% + time lobbying)
Lobbyists register with Congress
Report activities quarterly
No gifts for House; $100 Senate/year
Honest Leadership & Open Government Act 2007
More rules for spending and gifts and more reporting of activities
Senate – 2 yrs/House – 1 yr before becoming lobbyist