Chapter 9 - Interest GroupsReview

Why are lobby groups such an important part of politics today?

They give information to public officials that they might not otherwise have, technical or industry specific information that is not available to everyone. They can also help write legislation specific to their industry, since they’re in the best position to know what would and would not help. They also are linking institution, much like a political party, because they link the people to governmental institutions.

Where do lobby groups get their power from?

First, in their ability to organize their members, regardless of the size. Many are able to mount outside lobby efforts such as letter writing & campaigns which increase the public pressure on policy makers. They also have their PACs, which are the organizations they use to raise and distribute funds for election purposes, which of course is secondary to their ability to organize.

Speaking of which, what are PACs?

Like already stated, they are the organizations for interest groups that raise and distribute funds for election campaigns. Their influence has been minimized as a result of various campaign finance reform that limits contribution to politicians. Most of their money is given to those already in office, because the devil you know is better than the one you don’t. Especially if that devil has a voting record that supports most of that group’s policy issues

What is the revolving door of politics? What are the problems with it?

It’s the idea that there are those within the government, such as the FDA, that can influence legislation or regulations, with the idea that perhaps they can leave government and give a nice cushy job with a significant increase in pay.

What is inside lobbying?

Lobbying where there is direct communication between the lobby group and the policy maker - based on the value of the close relationship, developed over time, or with support via information. For example, a member of a lobby group playing golf or having dinner with an influential staffer or the congressman him or herself.

What are issue networks?

This is an informal group of officials, lobbyists, and policy specialists (this is the network) who come together, usually temporarily, by a shared interest in a particular policy problem (the issue). For example, AARP lobbyists, Department of the Treasury officials, and members of the executive branch on the issue of privatizing a portion of social security.

What are free-rider, and why are they a problem?

Free riders are those who may get a benefit from a lobby group, but choose not to join or support that group. For example, Mr. McKinnon probably won’t join AARP when the time comes, but will enjoy their work at maintaining the status quo regarding Social Security. It’s a problem, in that these free loaders, er, I mean free riders don’t pay the groups that help them out. Usually applies to economic interest groups.

What are citizen’s groups?

Also known as noneconomic groups, members are drawn together not by the promise of economic gain but by purposive incentives – opportunities to promote a cause in which they believe. Could be reduce the threat of nuclear war (freezniks), return prayer to public schools, feed the poor. They have a harder time organizing because they do not generate the profits or fees. (Offices are usually low rent and cramped)

What did James Madison think of Special Interest Groups?

Well, first, he called them factions, not interest groups. He thought they were dangerous, unavoidable, and feared that government could be dominated by them. But two things to remember – a free society is obliged to permit these groups to exist, and that the best defense was a good Constitution.

What’s pluralism?

Well, plural means more than one, and in this case, it means more than one group. And in this case, it’s the idea that nearly all interests are adequately presented through group activity.

What are grassroots campaigns?

It begins at the level of the people…The Tea Party is a good example. They exercise their power by when this large number of people contacts their representative in Washington, in fact, they depend on the fact that representatives respond to the pressure.

Also, these terms you may want to know; Purposive incentive, public good, collective good, economic groups, interest group liberalism (yeah, I forgot I put it on the test, sorry), issue networks, public interest groups. Hope this helps.

That’s It. If you know all this, you’ll probably pass the test!!