1. Interest Groups Chapter 11 Day 3
See NYT article on Romney

2. What Makes an Interest Group Successful?
Intensity
Single-issue groups: Groups that focus on a narrow interest and dislike compromise
Groups may focus on an emotional issue, providing them with a psychological advantage
May be more likely to use protests and other means of political participation than traditional interest groups that use lobbyists

3. What Makes an Interest Group Successful?
Financial Resources
Not all groups have equal aomounts of money
Monetary docnation usually translate into access to the politicians – a phone call, a meeting, etc.
There is a bias towards the wealthier groups
The wealthier groups don’t always win in the policy arena
Super PACs? See Romney article

4. The Interest Group Explosion – what is the difference between 1959 and 1995? Effect?

5. How Groups Try to Shape Policy
Lobbying
Communication by someone other than a citizen acting on his own behalf, directed to a governmental decision maker with the hope of influencing his decision (Lester Milbrath)
Two basic types: Those that are employed by a group, and those that are hired temporarily