C H A P T E R 9 Interest Groups © 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc.

C H A P T E R 9 Interest Groups SECTION 1 The Nature of Interest Groups SECTION 2 Types of Interest Groups SECTION 3 Interest Groups at Work

What role do interest groups have in influencing public policy? S E C T I O N 1 The Nature of Interest Groups – Questions We Will Answer Today… What role do interest groups have in influencing public policy? How can we compare and contrast political parties and interest groups? Why do people see interest groups as both good and bad for American politics?

“Wherever the body is, there will be vultures gathered.” Quote of the Day “Wherever the body is, there will be vultures gathered.” Historian Lord Bryce Speaking about interest groups in that they operate wherever pubic policies are created. They function at every level of government from DC to the 50 State Capitals, to city halls and county courthouses.

The Role of Interest Groups Interest groups – Sometimes called “pressure groups” - private organizations whose members share views and work to shape public policy (gun control, animal rights, prayer in schools, minimum wage). Protected- 1st Amendment – “right to peaceably assemble.” Public policy includes all of the goals a government sets and the various courses of action it pursues as it attempts to realize these goals (seatbelts, flood control, old-age pensions, etc.). Interest groups exist to shape public policy.

Political Parties and Interest Groups Political parties and interest groups both unite for political purposes, however, they differ in three striking respects Nominations Political parties are responsible for the nominating process, while interest groups hope to influence those nominations. Primary Focus Parties are interested in winning elections and controlling government, while interest groups are interested in influencing the policies created by government. Scope of Interest Political parties concern themselves with the whole range of public affairs, while interest groups tend to focus on issues that their members are concerned about (gun rights, minority protection, workers rights, treatment of animals). Chapter 9, Section 1

Valuable Functions of Interest Groups In 1787, James Madison warned the nation of what he called “factions.” Despite his mistrust, he felt they were inevitable and opposed trying to prevent them. So, are interest groups good or bad? Interest groups raise awareness of public affairs, or issues that concern the people at large (PETA, NRA). Interest groups represent people who share attitudes (union members). Interest groups provide specialized information to legislators (employment statistics, price levels, etc.). Interest groups pool energy and lead to political participation (MADD). Interest groups keep tabs on public agencies and officials – check and balance.

Criticisms Some groups have an influence far out of proportion to their size or importance (rich billionaires can impact elections, PAC’s). It can be difficult to tell who or how many people are served by a group. Groups do not always represent the views of the people they claim to speak for. In rare cases, groups use tactics such as bribery, threats, and so on.

Section 1 Review 1. What is the role of interest groups? (a) Raising the interest rate (b) Organizing party conventions (c) Influencing public policy (d) All of the above 2. Which of the following is not a criticism of interest groups? (a) They keep tabs on public agencies. (b) They may not represent the views of all of their members. (c) Some use underhanded tactics. (d) Some have undue influence.

S E C T I O N 2Types of Interest Groups How has the American tradition of joining organizations resulted in a wide range of interest groups? What are the four categories of groups based on economic interests? What are the reasons other interest groups have formed? What is the purpose of public-interest groups?

Types of Interest Groups There are thousands of interest groups in the United States and are found in every field of human activity. Many people belong to a number of interest groups. For example, Gus, a car salesman, belongs to the local Chamber of Commerce, a car dealers association, the American Legion, a local taxpayers league, a garden club, a church, the PTA, the American Cancer Society, and the World Wildlife Federation.

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interests Most interest groups have been founded on the basis of an economic interest, especially business, labor, agricultural, and professional interests (NAM – National Association of Manufacturers, Chamber of Commerce – represents small businesses). Trade association: promote business interests… (American Trucking Association, Association of American Railroads, Nation Restaurant Association). Labor union: is an organization of workers who share the same type of job or who work in the same industry… (UAW) Minimum wage, unemployment, social welfare of workers

Types of Interest Groups Professional Groups Some promote the interests of professional groups. The three largest are the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Bar Association (ABA), and the National Education Association (NEA). The ABA sets academic standards for law schools, sets ethical standards for lawyers, promotes benefits for members, enhances diversity, upholds rule of law, works for just law and human rights

Types of Interest Groups Cause or Idea Some are based on a cause or idea, such as environmental protection (NRA – fights gun control, Wilderness Society – environmental protection, PETA – animal rights, Right-to-Life – opposes abortion).

Types of Interest Groups Welfare of Certain Groups Some promote the welfare of certain groups of people, such as retired citizens Ex: AARP – works to promote pensions and medical care for senior citizens. Ex: NAACP – concerned with public policies affecting African Americans "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination” - NAACP mission statement

Types of Interest Groups Religious Organizations Some exist to influence public policy for religious purposes. Ex: National Catholic Welfare Council represents interests of Roman Catholics. Ex: American Jewish Congress represent the interests of the Jewish Community.

Public-Interest Groups Some exist to benefit all citizens A public-interest group is an interest group that seeks to institute certain public policies that will benefit all or most of the people in the country, whether or not they belong to that organization. They may lobby for clean air initiatives, clean water, voting rights. Of course, most interest groups claim to work for the “common good.” In fact they all take stands that benefit their members.

Section 2 Review 1. What kind of an interest group is the National Bar Association? (a) Religious (b) Professional (c) Agricultural (d) Labor Union 2. Green Peace is what type of interest group? (a) Agricultural (b) Cause-related (c) Professional (d) Public-interest

S E C T I O N 3 Interest Groups at Work What are interest groups’ three major goals in influencing public opinion? How do interest groups use propaganda to persuade people to their point of view? How do interest groups try to influence political parties and elections? How does lobbying bring group pressures to bear on the process of making public policy? Chapter 9, Section 3

Influencing Public Opinion Interest groups reach out to the public for three reasons: 1. To supply information in support of the group’s interests (Ex: Handgun Control Inc. runs ads giving statistics of Americans killed by handguns each year) 2. To build a positive image for the group (NRA runs adds on gun-safety programs and shooting tournaments) 3. To promote a particular public policy (AARP – promote support for retired people)

Propaganda Interest groups use Propaganda, a technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors. Goals: create a particular belief which may be true or false. disregards information that does not support its conclusion. Presents only one side of an issue Propaganda often relies on name-calling and inflammatory labels. Labels such as “Communist” or “fascist,” “ultraliberal” or “ultraconservative” are examples of name calling.

Propaganda Policies that propagandists support receive labels that will produce favorable reactions. They use glittering generalities like “American.” “sound,” “fair,” “just.” Symbols are often used to elicits those reactions, too: Uncle Sam and the flag are favorites. Testimonials are another famous tactic: NRA and PETA commercials shown in are endorsements from famous people Leah Michelle and Chuck Norris.

Classic Examples of Propaganda American recruiting poster from World War I depicting Uncle Sam, the personification of the United States. Anti-communist propaganda in a 1947 comic book published by the Catechetical Guild Educational Society warning of "the dangers of a Communist takeover".

Influencing Parties and Elections Political Action Committees (PACs) raise and distribute money to candidates who will further their goals. In 2010 Supreme Court ruled in favor of unlimited campaign funds. PACs can donate unlimited funds to candidates that they support. 2012 was most expensive campaign ever. Obama Romney Raised Raised $1072.6m $992.5m Spent Spent $985.7m 992.0m

Lobbying Lobbying is any activity by which a group pressures legislators and influences the legislative process. Lobbying carries beyond the legislature. It is brought into government agencies, the executive branch, and even the courts. Nearly all important organized interest groups maintain lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Chapter 9, Section 3

Lobbyists at Work Lobbyists use several techniques: They send articles, reports, and other information to officeholders. They testify before legislative committees (ex: if a gun control bill is being considered, reps from all of the groups concerned are sure to be invited and have a chance to present their views). They bring “grass-roots”(of the people) pressures to bear through email, letters, or phone calls from constituents. They rate candidates (Congress members and Presidential hopefuls) and publicize the ratings through mass media. They lobby in legislative, executive and judicial branches from the local to the national level. Chapter 9, Section 3

Section 3 Review 1. What is propaganda? (a) A bill that has been vetoed (b) A one-sided argument (c) An objective description (d) A scientific paper 2. How do lobbyists influence legislators? (a) Send articles and reports (b) “Grass roots” campaigns (c) Publicized ratings (d) All of the above Chapter 9, Section 3