Interest Groups Interest Groups Key Concepts Interest groups

Interest Groups

Interest Groups- Key Concepts • Interest groups have become the most vital and effective form of political expression for citizens trying to shape government decisions • Interest group activity does not necessarily equal democracy • The growth of government programs has spurred the growth of groups • Interest groups follow many strategies aside from lobbying to shape government decisions

Terms • Majoritarianism – individuals matter – rule by a majority • Pluralism – population too large – group identity more important/association with groups that represent your views • Interest group v • Political party v • Political movement

Groups in America • Special interest group (SIG): any formally organized association that seeks to influence public policy • Political movement: an organized constellation of groups seeking wide-ranging social change

Groups in America • Why are “groups” important? – Shift from relevance of the individual (majoritarianism) to relevance of the group (pluralism) – Political movements throughout US history (social movements) – examples: abolitionist movement, suffrage movement, civil rights movement)

Groups in America • Difference between SIGS and political movements –SIGS work within the political process – attempt to influence and affect policy. –Political movements work outside the political process – often feel alienated from political process

Categories/Examples Business (auto industry/oil producers) Agricultural (corporate associations) Labor (AFL-CIO/teachers unions) Professional (AMA, ABA) Public Interest (Common Cause, UCS) Ideological (People for the American Way – liberal/Christian Coalition – conservative) • Public-Sector (League of Cities) • • •

Groups in America • Tactics – Lobbying most effective – direct influence • Washington DC (Congress/Executive branch) – 80, 000 lobbyists – lobbyists as experts • Nevada (Legislature/Executive branch) – 900 register each legislative session

Groups in America • Attempts to regulate SIGs: –Limits on lobbyists –Political Action Committees (PAC) – “soft money” limits –Rise of “ 527 C” groups – and now “ 501 C (4)s”?

Groups in America • Summary – SIGs are very powerful and influential – Certain set of SIGs always seem to have influence – the powerful 50 – Others gain/lose power depending on party in power/promises made during campaigns/issues that gain favor in public opinion