Interest Groups

Interest groups are people with similar policy goals who enter the political process to achieve them What’s a policy goal? – something you want to happen that the government can make happen We all have interests; we all have things we want the govt to do because it would benefit us

What are some examples of interest groups?

Political Parties? Interest groups do not run candidates Interest groups are more specific Interest groups also have non- political agendas

Theories of government and interest groups Pluralism Elite and class theory Hyperpluralism

Pluralism Many groups, so no single one can dominate Pretty much every interest gets something More democratic – these groups link people to the government and compete with each other

Elite/Class theory Lots of groups, but most are insignificant A small number of groups hold an enormous amount of power

Hyperpluralism Too many groups Govt. tries to please them all Subgovernments compound the problem

Also called Iron Triangles Consist of: Subgovernments Also called Iron Triangles Consist of: Interest Govt agency related to the interest Congressional committee related to the interest They all promote each other

Interest Groups that are most effective

What makes an interest group effective? Size – sometimes large groups are at a disadvantage Free-rider problem – Why work hard for something when you’ll get it anyway? (Teachers Union?) Need incentives to join – Solidary, material, purposive Intensity Single issue groups Financial Resources Upper class bias? Yes No

How Interest Groups try to shape policy Lobbying Electioneering Litigation Cultivating a public image

Lobbying – trying to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group Full and part time They try to get things, but they can also help members of Congress too Earmarks Grassroots lobbying

Electioneering - involvement in the electoral process PACs Ratings

Litigation Amicus curiae briefs Class action suits

Cultivating a public image Reputation matters Ads

Types of Interest Groups

Economic Interests Labor (AFL-CIO; other unions) Union shop Right-to-work laws Why has union membership declined? People wonder if they will actually benefit

Business Interests Banks, insurance companies, multi- national corporations Large companies have offices in D.C. Business PACs have increased more than any other Businesses compete with each other too

Equality Interests Easier said than done NAACP ERA (Equal Rights Amendment)

Consumer and Public Interests Public Interest = benefits everyone Safer products (toys, cars etc.) Animal groups Groups that protect children and the mentally ill

Regulating Interest Groups Broadened definition of lobbying Lobbyists must submit: Names of their clients Their income and expenditures The issues on which they worked Also.. No gifts from lobbyists No reimbursement of travel costs for lobbyists