Birth of Interest Groups Four factors: Economic Developments Government Policy Leaders Government Activities 1960s and 1970s: rapid growth in interest groups Do not arise out of natural social processes

Explaining Proliferation Reasons why interest groups are common in the US: More cleavages = variety of interests American constitutional system multiplies the points at which groups can gain access to government Weakness of political parties

Institutional Interests Interest Group: any organization that seeks to influence public policy Institutional Interests: individuals/organizations representing other organizations Chamber of Commerce American Cotton Manufacturers

Membership Interests Organizations that support the interests of their members Establishes a great sense of civic duty and political efficacy

Membership Incentives Incentive: something of value one cannot get without joining an organization Solidarity incentives: social rewards Material Incentives: money/things of monetary value Purposive Incentive: most difficult; benefit from serving a cause or principle; used by ideological interest groups Ideological Interest Groups: attracts members by appealing to political convictions or principles Public-Interest Lobby: principally benefits nonmembers

Social Movements Social Movement: widely shared demand for change Environmental Movement: Sierra Club (1890s), Wilderness Society (1930s) Feminist Movement: 3 Kinds: Solidarity Incentive, Purposive Incentive, Material Benefit League of Women Voters (1920) Union Movement: 1945: reached peak of membership Decline caused by economy shift from industrial production and decline in union approval

Funds for Interest Groups 3 Sources of Money: Foundation Grants Federal Grants Direct Mail Membership organizations have a hard time raising money outside of dues Help fund public-interest lobby groups

The Problem of Bias Interests groups in Washington reflect an upper-class bias Well-off people more likely to join interest groups More groups representing businesses Few public-interest groups and civil rights/minority groups in Washington