1. Interest Groups in American Politics  An organized group of people with shared goals and a desire to influence government action  Some groups have explicitly political origins while others have nonpolitical origins

2. Interest Groups are different from Parties  Parties focus much more on elections  Parties have broader interests to represent  Party membership is not as formal  Parties perform important psychological functions

3. Why Do People join Groups?  Shared Interests? Pluralist view  Selective Benefits? Assumes Rational behavior Benefits may be tangible or intangible  Combination of Both Selective, tangible benefits Material or informational Solidary benefits (selective) Purposive Benefits

4. Interest Groups Perform Many important Societal Functions  Aggregate and represent interests  Opportunity for political participation SES bias  Help formulate public policy Agenda setting  Candidate Recruitment  Evaluate programs

5. Access  Successful groups are those that gain access to the policy making process. Actual involvement of interest groups in the decision- making process within government. Influence within government rather than influence on government.  Access can be developed over time via other activities that allow groups to develop close relationships with government officials.

6. How do Groups Influence Legislators?  Going Public  Direct and Grassroots Lobbying Who are the lobbyists?  Supplying Information

7. How Do Groups Influence the Bureaucracy?  Supplying Information  Influence executive appointments

8. How do Groups Influence the Courts?  Sponsor litigation  Amicus Curiae briefs  Influence Judicial Selection

9. Groups Can Also Influence Election Outcomes  Political Action Committee (PAC) An organization that raises and distributes campaign funds for elective office  Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA)  The number of PACs has increased dramatically since the 1970s  Spending Loopholes Soft Money (now restricted under McCain/Feingold) Independent Expenditures  Contribution Strategies

10. Determinants of Group Effectiveness  Opposition  Nature of goal (positive or negative)  $$$  Membership  Potential for coalitions