Interest Groups

Their Effect on Politics

Lobby- An interest group organized to influence government decisions, especially legislation.

Why are interest groups so common?1. Many cleavages in the country due to diversity

2. Many access points to government

3. Political parties are weak and too broad spectrum

Why are interest groups on the rise?

-Broad diversity of economics

-Government policy itself

-Emergence of strong leaders

-the expanding role of government

Negatives?-upper class bias-revolving door-corruption-bribery-factions

Interest Group- any organization that seeks to influence public policy

Two Types:

Institutional- those lobbyists that are hired to represent others, professional lobbyists that represent client concerns

Membership- those organizations whose members actively participate in

the lobbying- Social, unions, religious groups- Civic duty to join

What kind of interest group is yours?

Incentives to join an interest group:

Solidarity- pleasure and companionship

Material- benefits, money, services

Purposive- goals of the organization itself

What are the incentives to join your interest groups?

Ideological vs. public interest groupsIdeological- Controversial principles- Two sides to the issue- Benefits membersEx. Unions

Public Interest-benefits members and non-members alike-for the common good of societyEx. AARP, Sierra Club

Social movement- a widely shared demand for change in the social or political order- liberal or conservative

Your groups?

How are interest groups funded?

-Foundation grants

-Federal Grants

-Direct Mail

How is yours funded?

Upper Class Bias of Interest Groups

-more affluent are more likely to join and be active

-business/professional groups are much more numerous and well financed than minority groups

Impact?

What is the most important activity of an interest group?-to provide credible, up to date, expert information to Congress

Yours?

Political cues for Congressmen

-what values are at stake and how that fits with their political beliefs

Why are cues important?-Constituency

Interest groups and the rating system-groups use a rating system based on how each congressman votes on issues related to their cause-groups relate this information to the constituency

Yours?

Insider vs. Outsider Lobbying strategy

Insider-Lobbyists try to influence congressmen directly through direct contact on Capital Hill

Outsider -grassroots mobilization of an issue going to the people rather than the politician-purpose is to get the people motivated to contact their congressman to exert influence over their position on the issue

Yours?

PAC- Political Action Committee

-all organizations that donate money to political parties must create a PAC as the avenue to donate such funds

-PAC funds must be kept separate from general funds and be accounted for separately.

50% Corporate 10% Union 40% various issues

Impact?-more money available on all sides of issues-no evidence the money effects voting-more effect on committees

Revolving Door Politics

-Congressman to lobbyist

-Lobbyist to administration

Does this lead to corruption?-promise of jobs to officials

1995 restrictions placed on lobbyists by congress

-People who spend 20% of their time lobbying are considered lobbyists

-People paid at least $5000 in any six month period for lobbying are considered lobbyists

-Corporations or groups that spend more than $20,000 on lobby efforts in any six month period are considered lobbyists

Requirements:- Must provide a list of client names- Must provide all expenditures to the government- Must disclose what issues your organization represents

What are the Pro’s vs. Con’s of regulating interest groups?