Ch. 10 – Interest Groups in American Politics This is the flag of the Sons of Liberty. That’s right, the same Sons of Liberty who did the Boston Tea Party.

1 st Am. – Right to Assemble – Even though voter turnout tends to hover at 50%, all Americans have interests they want represented. – Participation by interest groups has grown dramatically in last 60 yrs. Interest Group: – Organization of people with shared policy goals entering policy process to try & achieve goals. – What is difference between a party & an interest group? Party has opinion on everything, interest group has opinion on one or two things – They may support a candidate, but they don’t run their own. – They do not have to appeal to everyone

Interest groups get bad press because they are loud and throw $$ around. – Factions traditionally bring a lot of noise & focus to an issue. – Lobbying is most often associated with money.

Theories of Interest Groups in Politics Three main theories: Pluralism, Elitism, Hyperpluralism Pluralism & Group Theory: – Interest group activity brings representation to all. – Groups compete & counter-balance each other in political arena. – Groups win some & lose some, but no group wins or loses all the time.

Essential arguments of a group theory: – Groups provide a link between people & govt Organized groups get a better hearing than individuals – Groups compete and have to make their case to govt & the people – No one group is likely to become dominant: Opposing groups will intensify their organization to compete – Groups usually play by the rules as cheaters fail – Groups weak in one resource can use another Weak in $$? Use people. Pluralists do not deny that some groups are stronger than others & competing interests do not always get equal hearings.

Elites & the denial of pluralism – Real power is held by a few people, key groups, & institutions. – Elite theorists maintain that govt is run by a few big interests looking out for themselves. – Interlocking & concentrated power centers: Govt, big business, & academia. – Even though there are numerous groups, power bends to business. Consumer interests are often pushed aside. – Honest lobbying has a problem because it benefits the few at the expense of the many.

Hyperpluralism & interest group liberalism – Interests groups are so strong that a govt seeking to please them all is weakened. – Hyperpluralists argue interest group system is out of control. – Interest group liberalism refers to: Govt is excessively deferential to groups, with vitrtually all demands seen as legit & job of govt is to advance them all. Promoted by network of sub-governments (aka iron triangles) – interest group leaders, agency in charge of administration, members of Congress handling policy. – Relationships between govt & groups too cozy – Ironically, explosion of groups seen as weakening iron triangles

What Makes an Interest Group Successful? Large groups are surprisingly ineffective. – Factors which cause failure: Size, intensity, $$ resources – A potential group is composed of all people who might be members due to a common interest – An actual group is composed of people who actually join – A collective good is something of value that can’t be withheld from potential group members. If it benefits the group, it will benefit others. Free Rider Problem – People don’t join because they can benefit without joining.

– Common problem-the bigger the group, the more free riders. Advantage of small groups: – “Everyone can make a difference” mentality To encourage membership, many groups offer selective benefits: – Goods a group can restrict just to those who join. Intensity – Single-issue groups are high intensity – politicians tend to listen. Financial resources – money talks – More lobbyists, advertising, membership drives

The Interest Group Explosion One of the major factors in the interest group explosion is technology. – Over 90% have websites – Highly specialized & seemingly endless variations – Interest groups are primarily lobbying groups

How Do Interest Groups Shape Policy? Lobbying: – Communication by someone other than a citizen acting on his/her behalf, directed a govt decision- maker with hope of influencing their decision – Two types: Regular paid employee of corporation, union, or association. Lobbyist for hire. – Primary job is to influence lawmakers. – Important source of policy info for policymakers – Can help formulate political strategy to pass laws; campaign strategy for election.

– How effective is lobbying? Unknown exactly, but it definitely works on people already committed to lobbyists’ policy position? Is it exaggerated? – Ex-Lobbying is bribery.

Electioneering: – Direct group involvement in electoral process. Ex – helping fund campaigns, working for candidates, PACS – This is the strategy of getting people involved in helping to win. – PACs – Created by interest groups to donate to candidates Litigation (lawsuits) – Used if groups fail to make gains in Congress – Civil rights, environment – very successful – Amicus Curae briefs – “friend of the court”, have a vested interest in case – Class Action suits – Allow group of people in similar situations to combine common grievances into 1 suit.

Types of Interest Groups Public Interest & Ideological: – Both seek a collective good (but that good may be their opinion) Economic – work on wages, prices, profits Labor – Worker’s rights - AFL, CIO Agriculture – agribusiness, not the family farm Business – more than any other Environmental – Shave the Whales, Audubon.. Equality – race issues-NAACP Women – rights & treatment – NOW Consumer & Public Interest