Interest Groups and how they shape policy

What is a linkage institution? Good question, glad you asked: A linkage institution is anything that connects the citizens to their government. Most common forms of linkage institutions are: Interest groups Political parties ElectionsMedia

Interest Groups We all have interests Organizing to protect those interests is natural The right to organize groups is protected by the Constitution Fed. 10, Madison’s factions are what we today call interest groups An organization made up of people who share common objectives and who actively attempt to influence government policy makers through direct and indirect methods.

Views on Interest groups Help connect citizens with their government Raise awareness on issues Obtain information for citizens as well as public officials One more “check” in the checks and balances Corrupt Bog down the government

Interest Groups v. Political Parties Policy specialists. Focus on a handful of key policies. More tightly organized. Financed through contributions or dues paying members. Conferences, newsletters, mailings, electronic formats. Try to influence the outcome of elections, but don’t compete for public office. Policy generalists Broad based: must attract support of many opposing groups Consider large # of issues Main sphere of influence=electoral system Candidates of this group run for office

Types of interest groups All kinds, too many to count Examples: Tulip Growers Association –AARP, 33 million members Most common are private- seeking economic benefits Public Interest Groups- goal of working for the public good

Types of interest groups BusinessLaborAgriculturalConsumer Old People EnvironmentalProfessionalWomen’sChurchEthnic

Business Well organized for a long time! Umbrellas –Chamber of Commerce of the US –National Association of Manufacturers Trade Organizations –Usually support policies that benefit business in general –May not agree on specific issues

Labor Some of the most influential in the country AFL-CIOTeamsters United Mine Workers International Longshoreman’s Union Warehouseman’s Union –Press for policies to improve working conditions and pay for members –Organized labor represents 15% of the labor force

Agricultural Groups American Farm Bureau Federation National Grange National Farmers’ Union

Consumer Groups Organizations under Ralph Nader Consumers Union (public interest group) –Publishes consumer reports

Older Americans People over the age of 65 = 13% of the population AARP Gray Panthers

Environmental Groups Some of the most powerful groups in D.C. –National Wildlife Federation –Audubon Society –Nature Conservancy –Sierra Club

Professional Groups AMA- medical ABA- bar NEA- education AFT- Federation of Teachers

Women’s Groups NOW- National Organization for Women

Church Related National Council of Churches

Ethnic Organizations NAACP- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

How these groups try to shape policy Interest groups operate at all levels of gov’t Use a variety of strategies

Direct techniques Lobbying - all attempts to influence the passage, defeat, or contents of legislation, and the administrative decisions of gov’t. –The foyer, lobby of the legislature –People skilled in the arts of persuading –Talk, invite to dinner etc.. –Many former Congressmen *a professional persuader?

Details of lobbying Personal contact with key legislators (make sure your info. Is accurate!) Provide expertise to government officials (Congressmen can’t be experts in everything) Offer “expert” testimony to congressional committees. Assist legislators in drafting legislation Follow up- try to influence implementation once a law has been passed

Providing election support Join and work within political parties Provide campaign support –$ provided through PAC’s (Political Action Committees). This $ doesn’t guarantee a vote in a certain direction, but is intended to give access to the public officials they have helped to elect. Urge their members to vote for candidates Threaten legislators with the withdrawal of their votes

Indirect techniques Public Opinion- convince policy makers that the public overwhelmingly supports the interest group’s position. Ratings systems- interest groups take an issue, and rate congressmen on how they have voted on certain issues –“Dirty Dozen” –Heroes v. Zeroes

Mobilizing constituents- urge members to write letters etc… Bringing lawsuits- example… civil rights groups, environmental groups Influencing judicial appointments Staging demonstrations –Boston Tea Party –Protest marches, rallies etc…

Why interest groups get bad press ScandalsBribes Congress passed rules banning Congressmen from accepting free trips, meals, and gifts from lobbyists.

Regulation Little to none: 1946 Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act: Must register group and disclose financial and logistical information Only applies to those that are directly seeking to influence federal legislation, principle purpose is to influence, and only lobby congress