Interest groups Chapter 8

Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Learning Objectives 8.1 Outline how interest groups have developed over time 8.2 Identify the types of interest groups that have evolved 8.3 Describe activities interest groups engage in 8.4 Analyze what balances out power among interest groups 8.5 Assess what makes an interest group successful Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Interest Groups and Politics In 1831, the political theorist Alexis de Tocqueville observed that Americans liked to form groups and join associations as a way of participating in community and political life. He also noted that the formation of group life was an important element of the success of democracy in America. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Interest Groups and Politics What Are Interest Groups? Group of citizens who share a common interest Try to influence public policy to benefit members Proactive and reactive groups A proactive group forms when a person sees an opening or opportunity to create a group for social, political, or economic purposes. A reactive group forms to protect interests of members in response to a threat fight government policies members believe will affect them adversely in response to an external event interest groups: Groups of citizens who share a common interest—a political opinion, religious or ideological belief, a social goal, or an economic characteristic— and try to influence public policy to benefit themselves.

Interest Groups and Politics Some Reasons Groups Form To advance economic status To express an ideological viewpoint To influence public policy To promote activism in international affairs interest groups: Groups of citizens who share a common interest—a political opinion, religious or ideological belief, a social goal, or an economic characteristic— and try to influence public policy to benefit themselves. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Interest Groups and Politics Reasons citizens join groups include advancement of their personal economic well- being. getting their voice heard as part of a larger group’s efforts on an issue. meeting like-minded citizens. participating in a democratic society. interest groups: Groups of citizens who share a common interest—a political opinion, religious or ideological belief, a social goal, or an economic characteristic— and try to influence public policy to benefit themselves. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Interest Groups and Politics The Right to Assemble and to Petition Right of association in First Amendment the cornerstone of interest group protection Framers fearful of factions Right of petition ask the government for assistance with a problem to express opposition to a government policy ask for a policy change Lobbying Act of trying to persuade elected officials to adopt a specific policy change or maintain the status quo right of association: Right to freely associate with others and form groups, as protected by the First Amendment. faction: Defined by Madison as any group that places its own interests above the aggregate interests of society. right of petition: Right to ask the government for assistance with a problem or to express opposition to a government policy, as protected by the First Amendment. lobbying: Act of trying to persuade elected officials to adopt a specific policy change or maintain the status quo. Key Questions Why do you think Americans like to join organizations? How does this tendency relate to American political culture? Do you think interest groups are divisive and polarizing? Or do they bring citizens together? Can you give examples to support your opinion? Have you ever signed a petition? What was it for?

Interest Groups and Politics Citizens have been using their right to petition to influence government since the earliest days of the democracy. Here female lobbyists in the late nineteenth century are trying to persuade members of Congress in the Marble Room of the U.S. Capitol. Although women did not yet have the right to vote, they still went to Washington to make their voices heard on issues that were important to them. Source: The Granger Collection, New York Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Interest Groups and Politics The History of Interest Groups Citizens opposed to slavery (abolitionists) Women’s suffrage Abolitionist and women's suffrage groups paralleled each other in using the principle of equality as a rationale for supporting their policy goals. Trade associations during Industrialization Labor unions Prohibition Today, grassroots movements unions: Interest groups of individuals who share a common type of employment and seek better wages and working conditions through collective bargaining with employers. Grassroots movement: Group that forms in response to an economic or political event but does not focus on only one issue. Key Questions How did interest groups work to end slavery? How long did it take women’s suffrage groups to accomplish their goal? Are groups representing manufacturers and corporations more or less powerful than citizens’ interest groups? Do groups balance out each other? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Interest Groups and Politics Prohibition was enacted by the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1919. Here a restaurant owner in New York City makes it clear that no alcohol is sold on the premises. Prohibition was hard to enforce and was ultimately repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment to the Constitution in 1933. Source: Imagno–ullstein bild/The Granger Collection, NYC Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Formed to advance the economic status of its members. The membership of economic interest groups tends to be exclusive because their purpose is to secure tangible economic benefits for themselves. economic interest group: Group formed to advance the economic status of its members. Key Questions What are the professional associations in the career field you are thinking of now? Are they worth joining? Do you know any union members? Are you a union member, or would you join a union? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Trade Associations Trade associations form out of a belief that collectively they can better influence the policy process. Focus on particular businesses or industries. Examples include: National Association of Manufacturers Chamber of Commerce National Retail Federation Semiconductor Industry Association economic interest group: Group formed to advance the economic status of its members. Key Questions What are the professional associations in the career field you are thinking of now? Are they worth joining? Do you know any union members? Are you a union member, or would you join a union? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Professional Associations such as The American Bar Association (lawyers) The American Medical Association (doctors) The American International Automobile Dealers Association (car dealers) Corporations economic interest group: Group formed to advance the economic status of its members. Key Questions What are the professional associations in the career field you are thinking of now? Are they worth joining? Do you know any union members? Are you a union member, or would you join a union? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Unions organized by workers to protect their interests and counteract the power of wealthy business corporations Strength in the strike Declining membership in private sector In recent years, collective bargaining over wages, pensions, and other benefits by public sector unions, such as those representing teachers and government employees, has come under attack by advocates for small government, including members of the Tea Party movement. economic interest group: Group formed to advance the economic status of its members. Key Questions What are the professional associations in the career field you are thinking of now? Are they worth joining? Do you know any union members? Are you a union member, or would you join a union? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Percentage of Wage and Salary Workers with Union Membership, 1983-2013 Figure 8.1 Private sector union membership has been declining over time, while public union membership has increased. Notes: Data refer to the sole or principal job of full- and part-time workers. All self-employed workers are excluded, regardless of whether or not their businesses are incorporated. Data for 1990–93 have been revised to reflect population controls from the 1990 census. Beginning in 2000 data reflect population controls from census 2000 and new industry and occupational classification systems. Beginning in 2000 private sector data refer to private sector wage and salary workers; private sector data for earlier years refer to private nonagricultural wage and salary workers. Percentages are based on the percentage employed. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Unions with the Largest Membership 2014 Table 8.1 Source: National Education Association, http://www.nea.org/home/2580.htm; Service Employees International Union, http://www.seiu.org/a/ourunion/fast-facts.php; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, http://www.afscme.org/union; American Federation of Teachers, http://www.aft.org/about/; International Brotherhood of Teamsters, http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000066; United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, http://www.ufcw.org/about_ufcw/. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Types of Interest Groups Ideological and Issue-Oriented Groups Citizens’ groups typically formed to draw attention to public issues that affect all citizens equally, such as environmental protection, transparency in government, consumer product safety, ethics reform, and campaign finance reform. Ideological interest groups: Groups that form among citizens with the same beliefs about a specific issue. Common Cause National Rifle Association ideological interest groups: Groups that form among citizens with the same beliefs about a specific issue. citizens’ groups: Groups that form to draw attention to purely public issues that affect all citizens equally. single-issue groups: Groups that form to present one view on a highly salient issue that is intensely important to members, such as gun control or abortion. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Types of Interest Groups Ideological and Issue-Oriented Groups Single-issue groups Groups that form to present one view on a highly salient issue that is intensely important to members, such as gun control or abortion. NRA National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) ideological interest groups: Groups that form among citizens with the same beliefs about a specific issue. citizens’ groups: Groups that form to draw attention to purely public issues that affect all citizens equally. single-issue groups: Groups that form to present one view on a highly salient issue that is intensely important to members, such as gun control or abortion. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Types of Interest Groups Foreign Policy and International Groups Groups That Influence Foreign Policy American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) one of the best-known organizations that seeks to influence foreign policy. Groups That Advocate International Aid and Support for Human Rights Nongovernmental organizations Not affiliated with any government and work hard to preserve their neutrality so that they can operate in as many parts of the world as possible Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs): Organizations independent of governments that monitor and improve political, economic, and social conditions throughout the world. Key Questions How do ideological interest groups contribute to polarization? Should governments seek to solve hunger, disease, and other worldwide social problems? Or should private charities play this role? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

What Interest Groups Do Inform Interpret how policy will affect their mission Ex. When the Sierra Club posted a notice on its website informing members about EPA regulations that took a strong stance against climate change inside strategy: A strategy employed by interest groups to pursue a narrow policy change and influence legislators directly rather than using a wider grassroots approach. Key Question Why is the public perception of lobbyists so negative? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

What Interest Groups Do Lobby The Lobbyists Lobbying Strategies Inside strategy lobbyists deal directly with legislators and their staff to seek specific policy or to stop one Outside strategy Grassroots strategy inside strategy: A strategy employed by interest groups to pursue a narrow policy change and influence legislators directly rather than using a wider grassroots approach. Key Question Why is the public perception of lobbyists so negative? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

What Interest Groups Do Lobby The Lobbyists During a typical day, lobbyists phone, e-mail, and meet with congressional staffers, their clients, and possibly members of the media to gather information about relevant issues for their clients or to promote their clients’ policy positions. inside strategy: A strategy employed by interest groups to pursue a narrow policy change and influence legislators directly rather than using a wider grassroots approach. Key Question Why is the public perception of lobbyists so negative? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

What Interest Groups Do There are three common pathways to becoming a Washington lobbyist: Working on Capitol Hill Working in the executive branch Working on a political campaign inside strategy: A strategy employed by interest groups to pursue a narrow policy change and influence legislators directly rather than using a wider grassroots approach. Key Question Why is the public perception of lobbyists so negative? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

What Interest Groups Do When interest groups gather and disseminate information, are they performing a public service? Or do they do it just to advance their own cause? If so, is there anything wrong with that? inside strategy: A strategy employed by interest groups to pursue a narrow policy change and influence legislators directly rather than using a wider grassroots approach. Key Question Why is the public perception of lobbyists so negative? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Top Spenders on Lobbying, 2013 Table 8.2 Source: Adapted from Center for Responsive Politics, “Lobbying: Top Spenders, 2013,” accessed August 20, 2014. http://www.opensecrets.org. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

What Interest Groups Do Source: Lisa Werner/Alamy Peaceful protests are frequently an effective way of voicing opinion on an issue. This gathering was organized to show opposition to fracking. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

What Interest Groups Do Campaign Activities 501(c)(3) organizations exempt from federal tax Prohibited from engaging in any activity on behalf of a candidate or party in an election campaign. Political Action Committees (PACs) Groups formed to raise and contribute funds to support electoral candidates and that are subject to campaign finance laws Buckley v. Valeo decision increased growth Critics say disproportionate influence over legislators Running issue ads 501(c)(3) organizations: Tax-exempt groups that are prohibited from lobbying or campaigning for a party or candidate. political action committees (PACs): Groups formed to raise and contribute funds to support electoral candidates and that are subject to campaign finance laws. Key Questions Are issue ads fair or unfair? Are they informative or “disinformative”? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Top 20 PAC Contributors to Candidates 2013-2014 Table 8.3 Source: Center for Responsive Politics, www.opensecrets.org, adapted from data released by the Federal Election Commission, Accessed August 20, 2014 Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Given the amount of money that PACs spend on campaign support, many people are concerned that PACs exert a disproportionate influence over legislators. Should there be limits on how much money interest groups can contribute to campaigns? Why or why not? pluralist: View of democratic society in which interest groups compete over policy goals, and elected officials are mediators of group conflict. special interests: Set of groups seeking a particular benefit for themselves in the policy process. Key Questions Do you think interest groups form from the bottom up or from the top down? Do interest groups bring people into the democratic process, or do they strengthen some voices at the expense of others? Do interest groups balance out each other the way that Madison thought they would? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes The McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act restricted corporations and unions from using television and radio ads for “electioneering communications” that refer to a candidate by name within thirty days of a primary and sixty days of a general election. pluralist: View of democratic society in which interest groups compete over policy goals, and elected officials are mediators of group conflict. special interests: Set of groups seeking a particular benefit for themselves in the policy process. Key Questions Do you think interest groups form from the bottom up or from the top down? Do interest groups bring people into the democratic process, or do they strengthen some voices at the expense of others? Do interest groups balance out each other the way that Madison thought they would? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Generally speaking, the Supreme Court has ruled that campaign spending is a form a speech, and the Court requires that Congress show a compelling interest before it can regulate it. pluralist: View of democratic society in which interest groups compete over policy goals, and elected officials are mediators of group conflict. special interests: Set of groups seeking a particular benefit for themselves in the policy process. Key Questions Do you think interest groups form from the bottom up or from the top down? Do interest groups bring people into the democratic process, or do they strengthen some voices at the expense of others? Do interest groups balance out each other the way that Madison thought they would? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes In Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, the Court ruled that individuals, corporations, and unions can spend as much money as they want on issue ads Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes In McCutcheon et al. v. Federal Election Commission, the Court expanded the right of an individual to spend unlimited money on federal elections. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Natural Balance or Disproportionate Power Olson argued difficult to keep effective Dahl’s pluralist view View of the democratic society in which interest groups will compete over policy goals, and elected officials are mediators of group conflict. Dahl argued that in a pluralist society, the varied interest groups that emerge to represent their members will, in their battles over public policy, produce a consensus that serves the public’s common interest. pluralist: View of democratic society in which interest groups compete over policy goals, and elected officials are mediators of group conflict. special interests: Set of groups seeking a particular benefit for themselves in the policy process. Key Questions Do you think interest groups form from the bottom up or from the top down? Do interest groups bring people into the democratic process, or do they strengthen some voices at the expense of others? Do interest groups balance out each other the way that Madison thought they would? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Natural Balance or Disproportionate Power Mills power elite Narrow focus elicits sense of illegitimacy Special interests has negative connotation Set of groups seeking a particular benefit for themselves in the policy process. E. E. Schattschneider believed that interest groups were a threat to pluralist: View of democratic society in which interest groups compete over policy goals, and elected officials are mediators of group conflict. special interests: Set of groups seeking a particular benefit for themselves in the policy process. Key Questions Do you think interest groups form from the bottom up or from the top down? Do interest groups bring people into the democratic process, or do they strengthen some voices at the expense of others? Do interest groups balance out each other the way that Madison thought they would? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Self-Service or Public Service Auto manufacturers blocked government- mandated fuel standards When the federal government shut down in October 2013, the congressmen who refused to vote for continued funding did so due to lobbying pressure from the Club for Growth In assessing the power of interest groups in a democracy, it is important to remember that interest groups do not pass or implement laws. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes The frustrating aspect of interest groups in a democracy is that the groups talk over each other and not with each other. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Open or Closed Routes of Influence Iron triangle Insular and closed relationship among interest groups, members of Congress, and federal agencies. Issue networks View of the relationship among interest groups, members of Congress, and federal agencies as more fluid, open, and transparent than that described by the term iron triangle. Revolving door Movement of members of Congress, lobbyists, and executive branch employees into paid positions in each other’s organizations. iron triangle: Insular and closed relationship among interest groups, members of Congress, and federal agencies. issue network: View of the relationship among interest groups, members of Congress, and federal agencies as more fluid, open, and transparent than that described by the term iron triangle. revolving door: Movement of members of Congress, lobbyists, and executive branch employees into paid positions in each other’s organizations. Key Questions Name two or three interest groups that you think have a lot of power in American politics. Do you agree or disagree with their positions? Do you think the military-industrial complex exists today? How does government prevent corruption among government officials?

Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Iron Triangle Figure 8.3 The iron triangle is a policy-making structure that includes congressional committees, federal agencies, and interest groups. © Cengage Learning. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Source: Michael Reynolds/Epa /Landov In a prime example of the revolving door, Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) who was a conservative leader in the Senate, left office during his term to lead the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, reportedly for a much higher salary. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Are interest groups responsive to the people? An interest group entrepreneur organizes citizens into a formal group that agrees on a united purpose and then takes a leadership role in directing the group’s activities. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Interest Groups on Democratic Processes Robert Michels coined the phrase "iron law of oligarchy" to describe when interest group leaders do not properly serve their members, and he argued that larger interest groups were especially susceptible to unresponsive or abusive leaderships. Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of Successful Interest Groups Membership Stability In order to keep group membership stable, interest groups offer selective benefits to its members. Benefits offered exclusively to members of an interest group The Free Rider Problem When a group lobbies for public goods or collective benefits that are so widespread that members and nonmembers alike receive them, incentives to join the group disappear. iron law of oligarchy: Theory that leaders in any organization eventually behave in their own self-interest, even at the expense of rank-and-file members; the larger the organization, the greater the likelihood that the leader will behave this way. selective benefits: Benefits offered exclusively to members of an interest group. public goods: Goods or benefits provided by government from which everyone benefits and from which no one can be excluded. free rider problem: Problem faced by interest groups when a collective benefit they provide is so widespread and diffuse that members and nonmembers alike receive it, reducing the incentive for joining the group. Key Questions Identify two interest groups with an enduring voice in American democracy. How do groups perpetuate themselves at the expense of their mission? Can you give an example? Would you join an interest group for its material benefits? Its solidary benefits? Its expressive benefits? What would make you decide to join? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of Successful Interest Groups Membership Stability The simple pleasure of being surrounded by people with similar interests and perspectives and who share professional or personal concerns is an example of a solidary benefit. Being able to express an opinion in the larger social or political sphere can be considered an expressive benefit. iron law of oligarchy: Theory that leaders in any organization eventually behave in their own self-interest, even at the expense of rank-and-file members; the larger the organization, the greater the likelihood that the leader will behave this way. selective benefits: Benefits offered exclusively to members of an interest group. public goods: Goods or benefits provided by government from which everyone benefits and from which no one can be excluded. free rider problem: Problem faced by interest groups when a collective benefit they provide is so widespread and diffuse that members and nonmembers alike receive it, reducing the incentive for joining the group. Key Questions Identify two interest groups with an enduring voice in American democracy. How do groups perpetuate themselves at the expense of their mission? Can you give an example? Would you join an interest group for its material benefits? Its solidary benefits? Its expressive benefits? What would make you decide to join? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of Successful Interest Groups Financial Stability Internet makes fundraising easier Membership dues Creation of not-for-profit business (AARP) Influence in the Public Sphere Quoted in the press Testifying before Congress Key Questions Imagine an AAYP, an American Association for Young People. What would it lobby for? What benefits would it offer? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of Successful Interest Groups The AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) is among the most successful large-scale interest groups in American history; in 2013, it claimed a membership of 37 million. Key Questions Imagine an AAYP, an American Association for Young People. What would it lobby for? What benefits would it offer? Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.