3. A striking feature of American politics is the extent to which political parties are supplemented by private associations formed to influence public policy. These organizations... promote their interests by attempting to influence government rather than by nominating candidates.... Such groups, while they may call themselves non- political, are engaged in politics; in the main theirs is a politics of policy. V.O. Key, 1964

4. Interest Groups Since 1964 the role of interest groups has been drastically altered. Although they continue to play an important role in all aspects of the policymaking process, organized interest groups play a central role in the electoral process as well.

5. Interest Groups Political interest groups pursue two general objectives: 1. They seek new positive benefits to promote the group’s interest. 2. They defend current benefits to protect the group’s interest.

6. Pluralism: Government Citizens Interest Groups Vote for Government Officials Belong to Try to Influence

7. Political Action Committees (PACs) The reality of campaign financing entering the 1970s revealed a picture of significantly increasing expenditures, corporate influence, and union activity, all sidestepping the intent, if not the letter, of the law. The Federal Election Campaign Act (1971) and Amendments (1974): -- limited individual contributions but permitted the establishment of political action committees -- political action committees were for the “establishment, administration, and solicitation of contributions to a separate, segregated fund” Veterans for a Strong America anti-Obama ad

8. 527 Organization A tax exempt group formed primarily to influence elections through voter mobilization efforts and issue ads that do not directly endorse or oppose a candidate. Unlike Political Action Committees, 527s are not subject to contribution limits and spending caps. In 2012, federally focused 527 organizations spent more than $300 million. 527 anti-McCain ad

9. Lobbying The term “lobbying” comes from the place where petitioners used to collar legislators. -- you “hung out” waiting for a legislator to appear Lobbyists are political persuaders who represent organized groups. -- many lobbyists are former legislators (is this a problem?) There are two basic types of lobbyists: -- a regular, paid employee of a corporation, union, or association -- people who are available for hire on a temporary basis

10. Lobbying In addition to trying to influence legislators: -- they are important sources of information -- they can help politicians with political strategy for getting legislation through (or blocking it) -- they can help formulate campaign strategy and get the group’s members behind politician’s reelection campaign -- they are a source of ideas and innovations

11. Lobbying (Inside DC) Direct Lobbying: when interest groups meet with officeholders or bureaucrats asking government to change policy in line with the groups goals. -- generally aimed at individuals who share the same goals -- groups place a high priority on maintaining access to their lobbying targets Drafting Legislation: many interest groups draft legislation for members of Congress to introduce. Research: interest groups prepare research reports which may help sway public opinion, help persuade elected officials or bureaucrats, or help claim expertise on some aspect of public policy. Hearings: staff often testify before congressional hearings NRANRA

12. Lobby Group Registrations, 2011 Total = 23,677

13. Spending on Lobbying, 2011 Total = $3.28 billion

14. Super PACs Super PACs came into existence in 2010 when federal court decisions found that limitations on both corporate and individual contributions is an unconstitutional violation of the 1 st Amendment. -- a PAC that is allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, individuals and associations -- the most important difference between a PAC and a Super PAC is in who can contribute and in how much they can give -- candidates can accept up to 5K per election from a PAC; they cannot accept money from corporations, unions and associations -- for Super PACs there is no limit on who contributes or how much they can contribute but they cannot work in conjunction with the candidate they are supporting Romney Super PAC ad

15. Types of Groups Some groups are organized for a single-purpose while others lobby on a whole range of issues. Single-Issue Groups: -- Women’s Suffrage Association -- National Pro-life Alliance -- Pro-choice America Multi-Purpose Groups: -- the League of Women Voters -- American Association of University Women -- National Organization of Women (NOW) -- Business and Professional Women’s Association

16. Types of Groups Business Groups -- the most numerous and most potent of America’s interest groups -- concerned with labor laws, tax laws, interest rates, environmental regulation, trade policies, and government contracts -- oil companies favor off-shore drilling but worry about environmental regulations -- banks are concerned with financial regulatory reform -- Chamber of Commerce -- National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Professional Associations -- doctors, lawyers, realtors and other professionals form associations to advance their interests -- AMA is concerned with limiting the amount of money that a judge can award in medical malpractice law suits; ABA is opposed to this

17. Types of Groups Labor Unions -- not as important a political force as they used to be -- in 1970, more than 25% of the labor force belonged to a union; today it is less than 12% -- right to work laws inhibit union organizing -- some employers aggressively resist union organizing (Wal-Mart) -- largest union is the AFL-CIO -- other large unions are American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Teamsters Union, the United Mine Workers Union, and the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) -- favor government policies that make it easier for unions to organize; increase in the minimum wage; better working conditions

18. Types of Groups Agricultural Groups -- influential on farm issues at the national level and in state legislatures in farming states -- largest unions are the American Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union -- there are also associations representing specific farm interests (e.g., National Milk Producers Union) -- desire government loan guarantees, crop subsidies, and the promotion of farm exports) Racial and Ethnic Minority Rights Groups -- most ethnic minority groups have formed their own interest group -- NAACP; LULAC; AIM (American Indian Movement) -- desire equality before the law; representation in electiver and appointive office; freedom from discrimination; economic advancement

19. Types of Groups Citizen Groups -- organizations created to support governmental policies that they believe will benefit the public at-large -- Common Cause; Sierra Club; ACLU Advocacy Groups -- organizations created to seek benefits of behalf of groups who are in some way incapacitated or otherwise unable to represent their own interests -- Alzheimer’s Association; Children’s Defense Fund; American Cancer Society Cause Groups -- organizations whose members care intensely about a single issue or small group of related issues -- AARP; NOW; National Right to Life Committee; Pro- Choice America