1. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

2. I. Growth of SIG’s a. Historical Development From beginning of republic– ex: Sons of Liberty to religious gps, anti-slavery movements, unions, farmers gps, fraternal orgs, business assoc, and charitable orgs. Today: env, consumer, and political reform gps

3. b. Rise of Interest GPS because: Economic development– subsistance to commercial farming– farmers needed protection from unstable markets; Industrial revolution/mass production– workers needed labor unions to improve conditions

4. Governmental Policy: New policies create new interest groups– ex. Wars create veterans groups; New Deal fostered labor unions; state reg of professions created strong professional associations like ABA and AMA

5. Emergence of Strong Leaders-- MLK @ Civil Rights-- Ralph Nader @ Consumer Rights– Jerry Falwell @ Christian Coalition– Need we say more?

6. Expanding Gov Role W/ rise of Big Government= rise of SIG’s (AFSCME)

7. II. Kinds of SIG’s Def: any group that seeks to influence public policy (don’t run candidates) Types: Institutional and membership Type I. Institutional—indiv or org that represent other orgs– EX. Lobbyists for GM. Also– Reps of State Govs, Foundations and Universities (public interests)

8. Type #2 – Membership Interests– pd w/ dues and donations (social, bus, prof, vets, charity, religion)

9. III.Reasons to Join Political efficacy and duty– League of Women Voters, NAACP OR Material incentives: discounts (AARP)

10. Social Movements: Purpose to alter society-- like Environmental GPS– Sierra Club, National Wildlife Fed— Usually a broad moderate group will be an umbrella for smaller, active and more extremist groups. eg: League of Women voters to National Organization of Women Labor Unions declining in clout– only remaining benefit is collective bargaining

11. IV. Interest Group Operations Need Money to influence policy Sources: dues; foundation grants; fed grants for public interest work; direct mail to specialized audiences

12. Activities/Operations Supplying specialized information to policy makers and staff in Congress/Bureaucracy Raising public support:--face to face lobbying w/ Congressmen– grassroots lobbying– public pressure thru e-mail, FAX, phone campaigns,

13. PACS and Campaign Contributions:-- less important since BCRA— Incumbents get most PAC $$-- Labor $$ to Dems, Business $$ to both parties Donations buy access– Lawmakers will take your calls and respond to lunch invites

14. Employing Former Gov Officials-- Lose job after election? Take Job w/ SIG ‘REVOLVING DOOR’ : (smacks of corruption but little evidence of impropriety overall)

15. Civil Disobedience: Purpose to disrupt, force negotiations, create martyrs EX: AIM, Anti-Nukes, Anti-Abortion on both sides of the political spectrum

16. Litigation: Provide finance and legal representation in court cases that involve your group or issues EX: Brown v. BD– NAACP New Regulations: require SIG’s to file financial reports and register lobbyists

17. V. Trends Weak political parties and increased diversity in public interests– SIGS will take on a larger role in influencing voters and Government.