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The Primary Goal of Interest Groups An interest group is an organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy Organization: Interest Groups are organized. There is a structure with a heirarchy. Common Interest: Interest Groups can have one narrow interest (NRA) or a broader range (Sierra Club). Influence Public Policy: Interest Groups attempt to get the government to pass (or not pass) laws that impact their interests. Factors That Promote Interest Groups • • • • • • • Size and Diversity of the Country Decentralized Power Increasing Weakness of Parties Variety of Ethnic Groups Diversity of Religious Groups Separation of Powers Federalism Why such growth? • Broad Economic Developments Create New Interests and Redefine Old Interests – Farmers became politically active – Mass-Production Industries lead to unions • Government Policy – Wars create Veterans who demand benefits • Strong Leaders in Social Movements – Religious Revival (1830s) Civil Rights (1960s) • Expanding Role of Government – Public Interest Lobbies as government involves itself in more areas. Why Join Interest Groups (Incentives) • All interest groups deal with the Free Rider problem. – Free riders are persons in the general public who benefit from the efforts without joining the organization (no financial or membership effort) • Reasons – Solidary Incentives (Companionship) – Material Incentives (Benefits) – Purposive Incentives (Goals) Parties and Interest Groups • Both are linkage institutions (links average citizen with government activities) • But differ in fundamental goals – Parties: Elect members to government – Interest Groups: Influence policy of government Interest Groups can often work as a support system to help parties achieve their goals Interest Group Tactics Insider Strategy • Providing Information • Earmarks in Legislation • Expenditures • Litigation • Money and PACs Outsider Strategy • Grassroots mobilization • Protests • Endorsements • Civil Disobedience Providing Information • The single most important tactic of Interest Groups is supplying credible information to legislators • Detailed, current information at a premium and can build or destroy a legislator-lobbyist relationship • Most effective on narrow, technical issues • Often presented in briefings, papers, or Congressional Hearings Earmarks in Legislation • Lobbyists use the exchange of information to convince members of Congress to draft special provisions in legislation to benefit their clients, called Earmarks • Types of Earmarks – Contracts – Tax Exemption/Loopholes – Exemption from Regulations Litigation (Using the Courts) • Bringing a Law Suit – When issues include “rights” held by citizens court cases are often brought up (Brown v. Board of Education by NAACP) – Used often when a group does not have “access to legislators” or strong popular support – Sets a precedent that lasts beyond that case. • Amicus Curare briefs – Means “friend of court” – Submit written legal arguments to the Court during cases that concern the interest. PACs and Money • Political Action Committees (PACs) – Organizations created by business firms, labor unions, trade associations, ideological groups, and interest groups – Goal is to provide campaign contributions to candidates – Although regulated as of 2009 there were 4,611 PACs operating PACs and Money • Money is the least effective way to influence politicians – Due to growth in PACs more overall money available on all sides of the issues. – Politicians establish their own PACs to advance their cause. – Have largest chance of influence when issue is of little concern to voters • ½ of PACs sponsored by corporations, 1/10 of PACs sponsored by unions. • PACs tend to support incumbents Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org NOTE: The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organizations' PACs, their individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates. Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org Spending in the 2012 Election opensecrets.org Grassroots Mobilization • Although insider strategies more common there is a larger use of outsider strategy – Congress members more individualistic – Modern Technology makes it easier • Politicians dislike controversy so work with interest groups they agree with • Interest Groups target “undecided” legislators and/or legislators in marginal districts • Some groups attack their likely allies to embarrass them • “Voter Guides” given to members of interest group Civil Disobedience • Tactics have been used more frequently since 1960s • Generally more accepted (As long as not violent or causes disruption to an individual) • Goals – Disrupt institution and force negotiations – Enlist the support of others – Create martyrs to draw public support Who uses the various tactics? LitigationEarmarks: Issues Interest in which Groups with are access involved. to government Groups that Often have Providing Campaign Information: Contributions: Allrights Interest Groups Groups that have who large have access to Grassroots Mobilization: Groups that may have lessfinancial financial done little on public technical support and/or that voters little on access have to government. information or government. More resources. effective technical issues. means butissues have large numbers oflittle members. concern for. Pros/Cons for Lobbyists • Pros –Deliver Information to Legislators –Magnify Individual’s Voices • Cons –Perception of Corruption –Influence of Money on Politics