Chapter 8 Interest Groups Chapter 8 Interest Groups

Chapter 8 Interest Groups

Chapter 8: Interest Groups

The Interest Group Universe • Interest Groups – organizations of people who share common political beliefs and aim to influence policy by electioneering and lobbying • Lobbying – efforts to influence public policy through contact with public officials on behalf of an interest group

The Interest Group Universe

Types of Interest Groups • Economic group – a type of interest group that seeks public policies that will provide monetary benefits to its members • Citizen group – a type of interest group that seeks changes in spending, regulations, or government programs concerning a wide range of policies (also known as a public interest group) • Single-issue group – a type of interest group that has a narrowly focused goal and seeks change on a single topic, government program, or piece of legislation

Organizational Structures

The Logic of Collective Action • Free riding – the practice of relying on others to contribute to a collective effort—while failing to participate on one’s own behalf—and still benefiting from the group’s success • Because governmental changes to policies affect everyone, whether they worked for the change or not, it is hard to motivate people to work for the change.

Overcoming Collective Action Problems • • Solitary benefits – satisfaction derived from the experience of working with like-minded people Purposive benefits – satisfaction derived from the experience of working toward a desired policy goal Coercion – a method of eliminating free riding by potential group members by requiring participation, as in many labor unions Selective incentives – benefits that are available only to those who participate, such as member services offered by interest groups

Overcoming Collective Action Problems: Selective Incentives

The Logic of Collective Action

Resources • Important resources for an interest group are: • People • Money • Expertise

Different Strategies for Different Groups • Inside strategies – tactics used by interest groups within Washington, D. C. , to achieve their policy goals • Outside strategies – tactics used by interest groups outside Washington, D. C. , to achieve their policy goals • Direct lobbying – attempts by interest group staff to influence policy by speaking with elected officials or bureaucrats

Interest Group Strategies

Top 20 spenders on lobbying, 1998– 2012

How Much Power Do Interest Groups Have? • The theory of bureaucratic capture says that regulators become “captured” (persuaded by or beholden to) the industries they are supposed to regulate.

Total spending on lobbying, 2000– 2011

Growth in Federal Spending and in Lobbying

The Business of Lobbying

Spending on Lobbying

Interest Group Success

Conflict

LOBBYING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: INSIDE AND OUTSIDE STRATEGIES INSIDE STRATEGIES Groups lobby government officials directly in Washington, D. C. OUTSIDE STRATEGIES Groups use public pressure, elections, and the media to influence government. OUTSIDE STRATEGIES

LOBBYING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: POP QUIZ! 1. Which of the following is an example of outside lobbying? a. providing research to lawmakers b. suing the government c. working with bureaucrats d. making campaign contributions e. meeting with lawmakers

LOBBYING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: POP QUIZ! 1. Which of the following is an example of outside lobbying? a. providing research to lawmakers b. suing the government c. working with bureaucrats d. making campaign contributions e. meeting with lawmakers

LOBBYING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: POP QUIZ! 2. When officials in Washington, D. C. , work with lobbyists, it is typically because a. officials are afraid of being sued. b. officials are hoping to benefit personally. c. lobbyists are good at “converting” politicians to their cause. d. lobbyists provide valuable information. e. lobbyists threaten them with negative publicity.

LOBBYING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: POP QUIZ! 2. When officials in Washington, D. C. , work with lobbyists, it is typically because a. officials are afraid of being sued. b. officials are hoping to benefit personally. c. lobbyists are good at “converting” politicians to their cause. d. lobbyists provide valuable information. e. lobbyists threaten them with negative publicity.

Public Opinion Poll Do you currently belong to a political interest group? a) Yes b) No

Public Opinion Poll Do you consider yourself part of a special interest? a) Yes b) No

Public Opinion Poll Do you agree or disagree that political interest groups are good for American democracy? a) b) c) d) Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

Public Opinion Poll In terms of America’s core values of liberty and democracy, should we prefer a political process dominated by parties or one in which interest groups are more important? a) Political parties more powerful b) Interest groups more powerful

Public Opinion Poll Do you believe former members of Congress should or should not be allowed to lobby their former colleagues? a) Allow former members of Congress to lobby b) Do not allow former members of Congress to lobby

Public Opinion Poll Do you believe it is un-American or disloyal for ethnic and religious groups to lobby on behalf of a foreign country with which they identify? a) Yes b) No

Chapter 8: Interest Groups • Practice quizzes • Flashcards • Outlines wwnorton. com/studyspace

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Interest Groups

Interest Groups