1. Interest Groups A Linkage Institution in American Politics

2. Parties and Interest Groups in USA Similarities –Both seek to influence policy –Both link citizens to political process Decline of political parties (why?) Proliferation and Rise of interest groups –Ability to articulate specific policy positions –Ex. NRA vs. Republican Party on guns –Ex. Sierra Club vs. Democratic Party on environment

3. Interest Group Activities Lobbying Contributing money to candidates’ campaigns Filing lawsuits (litigation) Appealing to public opinion (grassroots lobbying/mass mobilization)

4. Lobbying and Interest Groups Lobbyists: professional persuaders Lawyers, technical experts, businessmen, politicians (revolving door) K Street: home of national lobbying organizations in Washington, DC –Primarily interest groups with MONEY –Medical groups, Big Corporations, Workers’ Unions, National Environmental groups MOST influence on policy? –Narrow issues, few interest groups, technical information

5. Corporate Lobbyists Activities –Make sure corporation’s PAC donates money to campaigns of members of key committees –Bring influential constituents to Washington to discuss policy with representatives –Meet informally with Congressional aides over lunch or cocktails

6. Political Action Committees (PAC’s) Key form of interest group influence More important to Congress (higher % of campaign funds) than President Direct contributions (hard money) to candidates Soft money to parties Independent expenditures (advertising not linked to party or candidate)