Interest Groups Wilson 11 A

Who GovernsTo What Ends Objective Questions  Do interest groups dominate government, and is any particular lobby politically unbeatable?  Why do people join interest groups?  Is the proliferation of PACs and other groups good or bad for America’s representative democracy?  Should interest groups’ political activities be restricted by law?

K Street  Row of office-buildings in DC  Home of interest groups and lobbies  Many cleavages between people  Many entry points into the system  Many opportunities open by weak parties

Birth of Interest Groups  Began with independence  Exploded in the 1960/70s  Broad economic developments  Farmers, Unions  Government Policies  Wars, Professional Organizations  Strong Leadership  Social Movements, Education, Religious Revivals  Expanding Role of Government

Institutional Organizations  Non-member groups  Lead by DC lawyers and public relations experts  Represents business and trade associations  Governments, foundations, universities  Small and specific or large and general

Membership Organizations  America is a nation of joiners  Religious  Civic  Political  Political efficacy  Civic duty  What is the incentive?

Incentives  Solidary – social rewards  Local  PTA  American Legion  League of Women Voters  Material – money, goods and services  Farm Bureaus  AARP  NEA  Purposive – causes or principles

Ideological Interest Groups  Coherent and controversial principles  Purposive  Public Citizen (Nader)  Sierra Club (Muir)  ACLU  Public Interest – benefits nonmembers  Most public  Timing

Staff Influence  More influence in solidary and material groups  Different than members  Publicity for purposive groups  Contacts with media  Public press releases  Crisis lobbies