1. Why are some groups more influential than others?
Numerical size of organization. NRA – 3 million membership.
Commitment of the membership – NRA believe gun rights define their commitment to liberty and their way of life.
Size and commitment can lead to votes.
Financial resources – NRA $137 million annual budget.
Strategic use of campaign finance contributions are important – NRA’s PAC – Political Victory Fund – has about $7 million that is distributed largely to Republicans.
Use of courts – NRA defending those with history of domestic violence to still have a license to bear arms. US vs Emerson.
Political strategy – as shown by Christian Coalition in 1980s in reflecting a less extreme position, which regained support for the group.
Degree to which the interest group can forge a close relationship with key decision makers. Example – Elizabeth Drew recorded claims that lobbyists were responsible for actually writing legislation.
Importance of ties between the groups, and federal bureaucracy. These are known as ‘Iron Triangles’, where rules and federal law can be managed to their benefit. Example – Defence. Senate Armed Services Committee, House National Security Committee, bound with government agencies such as NASA, and large contractors such as Boeing. They collaborate to ensure defence expenditure is maintained at high levels.