The Primary Goal of Interest Groups An interest group is an organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy Organization: Interest Groups are organized. There is a structure with a heirarchy. Common Interest: Interest Groups can have one narrow interest (NRA) or a broader range (Sierra Club). Influence Public Policy: Interest Groups attempt to get the government to pass (or not pass) laws that impact their interests.

Factors That Promote Interest Groups Size and Diversity of the Country Decentralized Power Increasing Weakness of Parties Variety of Ethnic Groups Diversity of Religious Groups Separation of Powers Federalism

Why such growth? Broad Economic Developments Create New Interests and Redefine Old Interests Farmers became politically active Mass-Production Industries lead to unions Government Policy Wars create Veterans who demand benefits Strong Leaders in Social Movements Religious Revival (1830s) Civil Rights (1960s) Expanding Role of Government Public Interest Lobbies as government involves itself in more areas.

Why Join Interest Groups (Incentives) All interest groups deal with the Free Rider problem. Free riders are persons in the general public who benefit from the efforts without joining the organization (no financial or membership effort) Reasons Solidary Incentives (Companionship) Material Incentives (Benefits) Purposive Incentives (Goals)

Parties and Interest Groups Both are linkage institutions (links average citizen with government activities) But differ in fundamental goals Parties: Elect members to government Interest Groups: Influence policy of government Interest Groups can often work as a support system to help parties achieve their goals

Interest Group Tactics Insider Strategy Outsider Strategy Providing Information Earmarks in Legislation Expenditures Litigation Money and PACs Grassroots mobilization Protests Endorsements Civil Disobedience

Providing Information The single most important tactic of Interest Groups is supplying credible information to legislators Detailed, current information at a premium and can build or destroy a legislator-lobbyist relationship Most effective on narrow, technical issues Often presented in briefings, papers, or Congressional Hearings

Earmarks in Legislation Lobbyists use the exchange of information to convince members of Congress to draft special provisions in legislation to benefit their clients, called Earmarks Types of Earmarks Contracts Tax Exemption/Loopholes Exemption from Regulations

Litigation (Using the Courts) Bringing a Law Suit When issues include “rights” held by citizens court cases are often brought up (Brown v. Board of Education by NAACP) Used often when a group does not have “access to legislators” or strong popular support Sets a precedent that lasts beyond that case. Amicus Curare briefs Means “friend of court” Submit written legal arguments to the Court during cases that concern the interest.

PACs and Money Political Action Committees (PACs) Organizations created by business firms, labor unions, trade associations, ideological groups, and interest groups Goal is to provide campaign contributions to candidates Although regulated as of 2009 there were 4,611 PACs operating

PACs and Money Money is the least effective way to influence politicians Due to growth in PACs more overall money available on all sides of the issues. Politicians establish their own PACs to advance their cause. Have largest chance of influence when issue is of little concern to voters ½ of PACs sponsored by corporations, 1/10 of PACs sponsored by unions. PACs tend to support incumbents

Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org NOTE: The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organizations' PACs, their individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.

Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org

Grassroots Mobilization Although insider strategies more common there is a larger use of outsider strategy Congress members more individualistic Modern Technology makes it easier Politicians dislike controversy so work with interest groups they agree with Interest Groups target “undecided” legislators and/or legislators in marginal districts Some groups attack their likely allies to embarrass them “Voter Guides” given to members of interest group

Civil Disobedience Tactics have been used more frequently since 1960s Generally more accepted (As long as not violent or causes disruption to an individual) Goals Disrupt institution and force negotiations Enlist the support of others Create martyrs to draw public support

How Interest Groups Influence Policy Give Information to Policymakers The single most important tactic interest groups can provide is to supply credible information to policymakers in government Most effective on narrow, technical issues Establish political cues regarding what values are at stake. Generate rating systems to generate support or opposition to legislators.

Who uses the various tactics? Grassroots Mobilization: Groups that may have less financial means but have large numbers of members. Campaign Contributions: Groups that have large financial resources. Earmarks: Interest Groups with access to government Often done on technical issues that voters have little information or concern for. Providing Information: All Interest Groups who have access to government. More effective on technical issues. Litigation- Issues in which rights are involved. Groups that have little public support and/or little access to government.

Pros/Cons for Lobbyists Deliver Information to Legislators Magnify Individual’s Voices Cons Perception of Corruption Influence of Money on Politics