Interest Groups Chapter 7 AP Government

Interest Groups More than 100,000 in the U.S. Protected by the First Amendment More than two-thirds of all Americans belong to at least one group or association

Why are interest groups common in America? Lots of "cleavages" in The country or variety of interests (many races, 72 different religions, cultures) Constitution makes for many access points to government (political power shared by 3 branches) Political parties are weak so interests work directly on government Remember...Madison in Federalist # 10 stated that many factions or interests would guard against tyranny or any one group getting too much power

What is an Interest Group? Organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policy makers Most commonly attempt to influence through campaign contributions Can be local, state level, or national

2 Types of Interest Groups Institutional Interest Groups: individuals or organizations that represent other organizations, for example GM has a Washington representative. Usually made up of a small staff of lawyers and public relations staff Membership Interests Groups: groups that have national membership or individual members. For example NAACP, NRA)

The Birth of Interest Groups 1770s-independence groups pushed the nation towards gaining indent pendency from GB 1830s-1840s religious anti-slavery groups 1860s trade unions, granges for farmers business &a professional organizations, charitable org (NAACP, American Med Assoc) 1960s environmental, consumer, political reform groups

Factors explaining rise of Interest Groups Broad economic developments create new interests (farmers produce cash crops; mass production industries begin) Government policy (wars create veterans who demand benefits) Emergence of strong leaders in uncertain times (anti- slavery movement,Women's Suffrage, Civil Rights) Expanding role of government (rise since 1960s in regard to environment, social causes, civ rights)

Why Do Americans Join Interest Groups? Many actually don't Latent interests Hard for interest groups to recruit members when the benefits can be obtained without joining the group (free riders)

Why Join? Solidarity Incentives--> companionship, a sense of pleasure and status (American Legion, NAACP, Rotary Club) Material incentives --> the desire to enjoy certain economic benefits or opportunities (AARP discounts, AAA discounts) Purposive Incentives--> opportunity to pursue political, economic, or social goals through joint action (Abortion, Gun Control)

Activities of Interest Groups Supplying credible information: most important to lobbyists Public support Money and PACs The Revolving Door: federal workers leaving to work for private industry or lobbyist groups Trouble: public displays and disruptive tactics, protest marches, sit-ins, picketing

Lobbyists Work on behalf of interest groups Cultivate relationships with lawmakers Donate $$$ in order to gain influence

Regulating Interest Groups Protected by 1st Amendment but with some restraints Federal Regulations of Lobbying Act (1946) requires groups and individuals seeking to influence legislators to register and file quarterly financial reports 1995 Congress broaden the definition of lobbyist Lobbyists must report names of clients, income and expenditures, and issues worked on No gifts from registered lobbyists or firms, no reimbursement for travel expenses from lobbyists or firms that employ lobbyists

Business Interest Groups More interest groups are formed to represent economic interests than any other set of interests The U.S. Chamber of Commerce represent over 3 million businesses Huge influence over every member of Congress