Chapter 11: Interest Groups By Evelyne Velez & Gisselle Robles

Do Now The number of interest groups has grown rapidly since the 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 2. People who join interest groups for a sense of pleasure, status, or companionship are joining because of Solidary Incentives Material Incentives Purposive Incentives Concurrent Incentives 3. Of the following environmental groups, this one tends to be the most liberal Sierra Club Wilderness Society National Wildlife Federation Teddy Conversation Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Action

Do Now The number of interest groups has grown rapidly since the 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 2. People who join interest groups for a sense of pleasure, status, or companionship are joining because of Solidary Incentives Material Incentives Purposive Incentives Concurrent Incentives 3. Of the following environmental groups, this one tends to be the most liberal Sierra Club Wilderness Society National Wildlife Federation Teddy Conversation Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Action (supporting republicans)

Birth of Interest Groups In the 1770’s, political groups arose for the fight for American independence. During the 1830’s and 1840’s, the number of religious associations increased sharply and the anti-slavery movement began. The number of interest groups have been growing rapidly since the 1960’s and 1970’s because about 70 percent of them formed their washington offices. Four factors help explain the rise of interest groups: Emergence of talented leadership Government policy Broad economic developments Increased governmental activities

The more cleavages there are in a society, the greater the variety of interests that will exist. The American constitutional system contributes to the number of interest groups by gaining access to the government The weakness of political parties Proliferation What are the three main reasons as to why interest groups are so common in our country?

Kinds of Organizations Institutional Interests - are individuals or organizations representing other organizations. Membership Interests - made up of those who join voluntarily. Single Issue Interest Groups - interest groups that are extremely narrow and intense in focus on a particular issue. Labor Interest Groups - are a type of economic interest group. Economic Interest Groups - advocate for the economic benefit of their members and constituents. Ideological Interest Groups - Political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political principles.

Interest Groups in Action Solidary incentives - The social rewards (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship) that lead people to join political organizations. Examples: Parent Teacher Association & the League of Women Voters Material incentives - The social rewards (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship) that lead people to join political organizations. Examples: The Illinois Farm Bureau & American Association of Retired Persons Purposive incentives - A benefit that comes from serving a cause or principle. Examples: Ideological interest groups, & Public- Interest Lobby

Influence of Staff Social Movements Issues may not affect members because… *Reality is; even if members joined to obtain solidarity and/or material incentives, they may not have an interest in any of the issues with which the organization gets involved. Bottom line: Interest groups may reflect more what the staff wants then what the members actually believe. *A widely shared demand for change Feminist Movement (1960s)- The national women’s suffrage association helped achieve rights for women. **Important to note: was not inclusive of minorities. Environmental Movement (1960s)- Silent Spring written by Rachel Carson speaks about the overuse of pesticides The Union Movement - began in the 19th century. History of Unions have exploded with the funding of the national labor union.

Activities of Interest Groups Lobbying and providing information Political Cues -> A signal telling a legislator what values are at stake in a vote Ratings -> Assessments of a representative's coting record Public Support: The Rise of the New Politics Outsider strategy -> Aimed at changing public opinion strategy Grassroots Lobbying -> The act of asking the general public to contact legislators and government officials concerning the issue at hand Money & PACs (Efforts to reform campaign) Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission -> Laws preventing corporations and unions from using general treasury funds for independent uses. The ”Revolving Door” - Can lead to corruption, special connections, corporate favors in return for jobs. *Ex: Obama won from building the biggest grassroots campaign! By making citizens wanting to volunteer and wanting to support the president. Meeting people where they are!

Regulating Interest Groups Funding Regulating Interest Groups Foundation Grants - Donations that come from foundations like the Ford Foundation or the Rockefeller Family Fund. Federal Grants & Contracts - Are usually given to support some project that the organization has undertaken. Direct Mail- solicit funds and donations from individuals. A classic example of an interest group that was created and maintained by direct -mail solicitation is common cause. Problems of Bias Wealthy are more likely to join groups and be active in them Groups representing business/professions are numerous and well - financed Lobbying cannot be made against the law, but in 1944, there was an ineffective law passed that required lobbyists to register. Federal Regulation of Lobby Act of 1946 - had little practical effect being that not all lobbyist took the trouble to register and there was no guarantee that the financial statements were accurate. In other words, there was no staff in charge of enforcing the law itself.

References "Chapter 09 - Interest Groups | CourseNotes." Chapter 09 - Interest Groups | CourseNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2017. Angeles, University Of California Los, and Pepperdine University. (n.d.): n. pag. Web.