1. Interest Groups

2. The Role and Reputation of Interest Groups Interest groups may pursue any kind of policy, in all levels and branches of government. They differ from political parties in several ways. Interest groups may pursue any kind of policy, in all levels and branches of government. They differ from political parties in several ways. They pursue their agenda through the political process, whereas parties advance their agendas through elections. They pursue their agenda through the political process, whereas parties advance their agendas through elections.

3. Interest groups specialize in one or two policy areas, whereas parties focus on only general policies to win a majority. Interest groups specialize in one or two policy areas, whereas parties focus on only general policies to win a majority. Many people criticize interest groups for encouraging a policymaking system based on money. Many people criticize interest groups for encouraging a policymaking system based on money. Interest groups donate heavily to campaigns through PACs to “buy” votes. Interest groups donate heavily to campaigns through PACs to “buy” votes. The more money an interest group has, the more it is able to influence policy. The more money an interest group has, the more it is able to influence policy. Proponents of interest groups argue that they are effective linkage institutions Proponents of interest groups argue that they are effective linkage institutions They represent the interests of the public in the policy arena. They represent the interests of the public in the policy arena. Because they are carefully monitored and regulated, interest group methods are more honest than in the past. Because they are carefully monitored and regulated, interest group methods are more honest than in the past.

4. Theories of Interest Group Politics 1. Pluralist theory: Interest groups are important to democracy because they allow people to organize themselves to change policies. 1. Pluralist theory: Interest groups are important to democracy because they allow people to organize themselves to change policies. 2. Elite theory: There may be hundreds of interest groups, but only a select few have any real power. 2. Elite theory: There may be hundreds of interest groups, but only a select few have any real power. 3. Hyperpluralist theory: Groups have too much political influence because they usually get what they want. 3. Hyperpluralist theory: Groups have too much political influence because they usually get what they want.

5. What makes an Interest Group Successful? 1. The size of the group. It is important to distinguish between a potential group, which is all of the people who might be members of the group, and an actual group, which is all the people who actually join. Interest groups organize and work for the collective good of the members of the group. 1. The size of the group. It is important to distinguish between a potential group, which is all of the people who might be members of the group, and an actual group, which is all the people who actually join. Interest groups organize and work for the collective good of the members of the group.

6. Smaller groups are more effective than large groups. Smaller groups are more effective than large groups. Smaller groups can organize more easily. Smaller groups can organize more easily. A member of a small group is more likely to experience the group’s success and, therefore, is more likely to work harder than a member of a large group. A member of a small group is more likely to experience the group’s success and, therefore, is more likely to work harder than a member of a large group. –Free-rider problem –Olson’s law of large groups

7. 2. The intensity of the groups members’ feelings about the issue 2. The intensity of the groups members’ feelings about the issue –Single issue groups form around a specific policy and tend to pursue it uncompromisingly. –Single issue groups often deal with moral issues that people feel strongly about. –Members of single issue groups often vote according to a candidate’s stand on the group’s issue.

8. 3. The financial resources at the group’s disposal 3. The financial resources at the group’s disposal –Politicians are most likely to serve the needs of people or groups with money. –Money allows groups to mobilize, conduct research, and maintain and administration.