Chapter 6

Material benefits

tangible rewards example: AAA discounts

By- Product Theory

the idea that groups provide members with private benefits to attract membership. The possibility of group collective action emerges as a consequence

Why join an interest group

Material benefits, solidary benefits, purposive benefits. a rational person will join an interst group to derive some or al of these benefits

coalition building

a form of indirect lobbying that signals politicians that an issue is of concern to more than just an isolated segment of the public. (groups join forces to push an issue)

test cases

a lawsuit filed to test the constitutionality of some government policy. must be filed by someone who has actually been injured by the policy

amicus curiae briefs

a legal brief filed by someone or some organization that has an interest in a case but i not actually a party to the case.

Free Rider

a rational actor who chooses to enjoy the benefits of group activity with out incurring any of the costs

collective action problem

a situation in which the members of a group would benefit by working together to produce some outcome, but each individual is better off refusing to cooperate and reaping benefits from those who do the work.

Citizens united v FEC 2010

struck down BCRA's restriction on adds as being unconstitutional

Money

the ability of a group to raise money and spend it well will affect the relative success of an interest group.

pluralism

a theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise., A theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power by any one group.

Niche Theory

explains the explosive growth of interest groups as partitioning of policy niches into segments representing narrower and narrower interest --applies biological concepts to interest groups

FARA ( 1977)

foreign nationals prohibited from donating

Hard money

money directly to candidates limited: Individuals: 1000 PACs(corporations,labor unions): 5000

soft money

money to party for party-building: unlimited

527 committees 2004-2008

nonprofit and unregulated interest groups that focus on specific causes or policy positions and attempt to influence voters. -do not give money directly to candidates - can raise and spend as much money as they want

Buckely v. valeo (1976)

allowed unlimited soft money

over coming free riders

1. Required membership: must join union if majority of workers are pro-union also known as closed shop. 2. peer pressure: more effective in small populations

Public good

A material benefits that is provided to everyone it cannot be withheld from people who are not group members. example: environment group that pushes for clean air laws benefits everyone.

Logrolling

An agreement by two or more groups to support each others issues

FECA

Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, which limited amounts that candidates for federal offices can spend on advertising amended in 1974 and set limits on contributions to candidates.

selective benefits

Goods (such as information publications, travel discounts, and group insurance rates) that a group can restrict to those who pay their annual dues.

Interest groups

Groups of people who work together for similar interests or goals. Right granted in the first amendment ( right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for the redress of grievances

Exchange Theory (refinement of By-product)

Interest groups form as a result of an exchange between an unorganized interest that may be underrepresented. A group entrepreneur who creates and builds and organization and then entices others to join for the benefits of membership

Interest groups vs political parties

Interest groups: focus on a narrower set of issues, can limit membership by setting requirements. Political parties: candidates run for office inder a party label, have broad set of issues, are quasi-public organizations and cannot limit their membership

theories on formation of interest groups

Pluralist By-product Exchange Niche

Professional lobbyist

an individual whose job is to access government officials on behalf of a group most are government officials

Shaping public opinion

an interest group can elicit support if it can convince enough people to become sympathetic and perhaps convey their sentiments to public officials.

indirect lobbying

attempts to influence government policymakers by encouraging the general public to put pressure on them

Direct lobbying

direct interaction with public officials for the purpose of influencing policy decisions

leadership and expertise

dynamic and forceful leadership coupled with clear objectives and plans of action affect the success of interest group.

campaign support

interest groups can help public officials win office: monetary contributions, information for speeches, favorable coverage in newsletters and publications, helping getting voters to polls.

lobbying in court

interest groups can use the judicial process to further their interests as well

Pluralist Theory

interests groups form in reastion to problems create by particular social or economic events. Actions and reactions within society spin out new groups.

unintentional mobilization

is the idea that interest groups stimulate involvement in politics by giving individuals the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for political participation.

BCRA ( 2002) McCain-Feingold

raises limits on hard money Individuals: 2000 banned soft money restricted interest group adds before an election

FRLA 1946

registration and reporting any lobbyist to the house and senate.

Solidary benefits

selective benefits of group membership that emphasize friendship, networking, and consciousness-raising

Purposive Benefits

selective benefits of group membership that emphasize the purpose and accomplishments of the group feeling good about the group ( peta)

membership

size geographic distribution and affluence of group members affect the relative success of an interest groups.