On a clean sheet of paper n list

On a clean sheet of paper… n list all organizations that you and your family members are a part of.

Interest Groups Any organization that seeks to INFLUENCE public policy.

Three Types of Interest Groups n n n 1. Single – Issue 2. Social Action 3. Economic

Single Issue Interest Groups-(5) n n n National Rifle Association- NRA 2 nd Amendment Handgun Control Inc. Gun Regulation MADD n n Right-to-Life National Abortion Rights

Social Action Interest Groups (4) n NOW-National n Organization of Women n Sierra Club. Protection of Wildlife n ACLU- Amer. Civil Liberties Union. Protect 1 st Amendment Rights National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP- Equality

Economic Interest Groups (3) n n Labor Unions AFL-CIO-Rights of skilled and unskilled workers. n Chamber of Commerce

Economic Interest Groups n n n Professional Associations American Medical Association-AMA American Bar Association-ABA Protect Lawyers n n Agriculture National Grange

Functions of Interest Groups n Functions n PROVIDE INFORMATION to legislators and the public (most significant role) n n EX) AAA provides highway death figures when the speed limit is increased INFLUENCE PUBLIC POLICY

Tactics of Interest Groups n Tactics n n n hold rallies stir/start legislation Lobbying raise money $$ for candidates/parties use persuasive propaganda

What is Lobbying? ? n n Lobbying: interest group representatives speak DIRECTLY with lawmakers to influence them Lobbyists have tremendous power n Origin: British reps once crowded into the lobbies outside legislative chambers of Parliament to speak with lawmakers

Types of Lobbying n “grassroots” n n n A movement started and carried out by people at a local level, not by professionals EX) petitions, protests, letters – MADD Why effective?

Types of Lobbying n “PROFESSIONAL LOBBYISTS” n n Companies hire professional to speak to officials (Sydney Allen Wade- Movie) EX) Tobacco companies hire people to persuade officials to oppose laws damaging to the tobacco industry.

Types of Lobbying n “ASTROTURF” n n What is astroturf? ? ? So, what do you think “astroturf lobbying” is? A lobbying movement set up by big $$ (usually big business) to have the appearance of a grassroots movement EX) “Big Tobacco” sends out letters with selfaddressed envelopes to people with the hope that they will sign their names to the letter and mail it back

n n n Anti-Astroturfing Code of Ethics Kami Huyse proposes an anti-astroturfing code of ethics and asks for input: I will not fabricate a public concern by paying or coercing individuals to falsely act as concerned citizens. I will only seek to help give voice to those who already hold an existing concern and/or provide education to stakeholders that might be affected by a particular issue. When supporting grassroots efforts, I will ensure that I am transparent in all my actions and clearly and publicly state what actions I am taking and which organization or client I represent. I will never knowingly distort of falsify information to help my client/interest achieve a strategic/emotional advantage in a public debate. I will encourage all grassroots supporters to be open and honest in all of their communications, just as I will be open and honest in mine.

How do interest groups raise money $$$ ? ? ? n “PAC’s” n PAC = Political Action Committee n n n Ex) VOTE-COPE (NY teachers union PAC); EMILY’s List (support female candidates) set up by interest groups to RAISE MONEY $$$$$ for candidates and parties Individual Campaign contributions are limited to $2, 300 per election, but PAC’s can give $5, 000 to a candidate or $15, 000 to a party PAC’s can also run their own “issue ads” on TV Opensecrets. org

“Hard” $ vs “Soft” $ n n The limited $2, 300 per election amount is called “HARD” MONEY and goes directly to the candidate running for office Candidates can use this $ to run ads supporting their candidacy

“Hard” $ vs “Soft” $ n “Soft” Money n n Unlimited $$$ raised and spent by interest groups on their own ads “ 527” interest groups and some PAC’s can run “issue ads” w/ soft $ Such "issue ads" won't explicitly tell you to elect or defeat a particular candidate, but the group's view of the candidate's stance on their issue is clear. Highly controversial…. why?

Why are there so many interest groups in America? n Constitutional protection n n Pluralistic Society n n n 1 st amendment (free speech & assembly) Many different political, social, and economic interests Many access points to influence the law making process Rising costs of political campaigns

Other Incentives n Material Benefits n n n Discounts Money Special services to members only Travel Free items