Chapter 10: Interest Groups

interest groups influence on elections

*Interest groups provide information to voters through issue ads and literature on candidates. They also donate money and rate candidates* Incumbents often receive support because interest groups want access to the candidate who is likely to win. They can vote for or against the incumbent Some interests groups form political action committees (PACs), groups that collect funds from donors and distribute them to candidates who support their issues. Other PACs are either politically or ideologically oriented

pro's and con's of Interest groups

1. pros: -increased representation and participation in politics -increase public awareness -help frame public agenda -monitor programs to guarantee effective implementation - ANY American can participate (although most choose not to) Those that argue Interest groups are good and don't have much power follow a neutral Pluralism Model. Argue that there's never "too much participation" 2. cons: -increase cost of public policies -selfish interests sometimes -rich and powerful spend far more than groups representing poor and working-class interests Those that argue Interest groups are bad and do have too much power follow biased Pluralism Model

purposive incentive

A reason for supporting or participating in the activities of a group that is based on agreement with the goals of the group. benefits to overcome collective action problems that appeal to people's support of the issue or cause

citizens united

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was a 2010 Supreme Court case that granted corporations and unions the right to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections

Lobbying

Engaging in activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and the policies they enact. quid pro quo bargaining is an example; "Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" ill give you the money to your campaign or ill vote for you again if you enact this bill

free rider problem

For a group, the problem of people not joining because they can benefit from the group's activities without joining. many people don't participate in interest groups either because they do not feel strongly enough or because their action will likely have little bearing on whether a given policy is adopted to prevent this, interest groups offer benefits to their members to ensure that everyone is actively doing their part (AARP is an example)

special interests vs legitimate interests

Legitimate: interest groups speak on behalf of a much bigger audience (ex. teacher's union) Special: speaks on behalf of a little audience. Targets a specific company or individual (Home Depot interest groups)

collective good

Something of value (money, a tax write-off, prestige, clean air, and so on) that cannot be withheld from a group member.

how interest groups solve the Collective action problem

They provide: 1) Material benefits (discounts, hats, coupons...) 2) Informational benefits (if there's a new change in policy that might affect their members, their members are the first to know) 3) Solidary benefits (friendship benefits. Networking opportunities) 4) Purposive benefit (by being a member, you're helping make a difference. like civil rights movement)

association

a group of people who have gathered based on similar goals or beliefs which are typically groups of institutions that join with others, often within the same trade or industry (trade associations), and have similar concerns. Competitors like Redbull and Coke may join interest groups together because they share the same interest in bottling and FDA regulations

Membership Organizations

interest groups that have individuals as members that work together to pursue their collective goals

revolving doors law

laws that require a cooling-off period before government officials can register to lobby after leaving office (10 year wait time)

soft money

money that interests can spend on behalf of candidates without being restricted by federal law

Bureaucrats/Bureaucracy

non-elective government officials, system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials (VA workers, clerks, state workers)

regulations on lobbying

-groups must report spending on lobbying -strict limits on gifts from lobbyists -lobbyists must register as lobbyists Penalties for violation of the regulations: Lobbyists and government officials can be fined, banned from lobbying, or even sentenced to prison. While state and federal laws spell out what activities are legal and illegal, the attorneys general and prosecutors responsible for enforcing lobbying regulations may be understaffed, have limited budgets, or face backlogs of work, making it difficult for them to investigate or prosecute alleged transgressions.

challenges for interest groups

1) Collective action problems (free riding and prisoner's dilemma) 2) Little reward or impact. Negative outlook on perceived impact. (ex. voting has a low turnout rate. The mindset of the voters causes them to not participate. No benefit/incentive)

Interest group tactics/specific activities

1) DIRECT LOBBYING 2) PUBLIC RELATIONS (increase public awareness) 3) GRASSROOTS MOBILIZATION 4) COALITION BUILDING 5) PACs AND SUPER PACs

interest groups are not...

1) political parties. They influence the policies that those elected officials in the party make. interest groups do not function primarily to elect candidates under a certain party label or to directly control the operation of the government. 2) PAC's (political action committees); A PAC is an organization that collects and distributes campaign funds and information and therefore is concerned with elections. Interest groups can give money to PAC's and they can even form their own PAC's, but they aren't exactly the same thing. PAC's ARE FOCUSED ONLY ON ELECTIONS

common goal of interest groups/what they do

1) they try to shape policies, which they can do by mobilizing voters or putting direct pressure on elected officials 2) they gather information (statistics, facts, etc) they can provide for elected officials which will further persuade that official to engage in policymaking that will benefit that group. 3) they monitor government activity 4) serve as a means of political participation for members 5) inform the general public and can REPRESENT the people they also lobby bureaucratic agencies they in a sense "write" bills to elected officials that will then translate that into laws (Interest groups can have their own lawyers). they target CONGRESSMEN (whom they think will support their legislation), CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES and BUREAUCRATS (for funding purposes)

PACs vs Super PACs

PACs through which corporations and unions can spend virtually unlimited amounts of money on behalf of political candidates are called super PACs. As a result of a 2010 Supreme Court decision, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, there is no limit to how much money unions or corporations can donate to super PACs. Unlike PACs,however,super PACs cannot contribute money directly to individual candidates

arguments for those who support interest groups:

argues that: - If all interest groups are free to compete equally to influence officials, then they'll balance each other out. - the more groups there are, the less likely any one group can gain corrupting influence over elected officials - they offer more opportunities for participation in public politics. Policy gets made all the time while federal elections don't. *PARTICIPATION IS THE ESSENCE OF DEMOCRACY* the idea of incorporating lots of groups was invented by James Madison in The Federalist Papers although he saw "factions" as a necessary evil(supporting the ratification of the constitution). FOUNDING FATHERS SUPPORTED PLURALISTIC POINT OF VIEW

arguments for those who are against interest groups:

argues that: - it's nice to hear a variety of voices when instilling policymaking if ALL voices are powerful enough to be heard equally. This typically isn't the case. AMERICAN GOV'T FAVORS THE RICH AND THEIR IDEAS - Interest groups diminish American democracy because some interest groups are so powerful, their voices are able to crowd out all others. *THE PEOPLE WITH THE LOUDEST VOICES ARE THE WEALTHY!* - the wealthy have more money to give to politicians and better education than the rest of us making them able to articular their views more adequately. Those who are poor cannot offer much campaign contributions. Wealthy have more time to contribute to political participation - they have tremendous resources. And with these resources, they can write a check to a political campaign or hire a lobbyist to represent their organization. Writing a check and hiring a lobbyist are unlikely options for a disadvantaged group *Wealthy interest groups outnumber those groups that best represent the "common" American making them have more power*

different types of interest groups

business, labor, agricultural, consumer, senior citizen, environmental, professional, single-issue, government SO MUCH MORE!

Which of the following is an aspect of iron triangles? a. fluid participation among interests b. a great deal of competition for access to decision-makers c. a symbiotic relationship among Congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups d. three interest groups that have formed a coalition

c. a symbiotic relationship among Congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups

How are collective goods different from private goods? a. Collective goods offer particularized benefits, while private goods are broadly distributed. b. Collective goods and private goods both offer particularized benefits. c. Collective goods and private goods both offer broadly distributed benefits. d. Collective goods offer broadly distributed benefits, while private goods offer particularized benefits.

d. Collective goods offer broadly distributed benefits, while private goods offer particularized benefits.

In what ways are lobbyists regulated? a. Certain activities are prohibited. b. Contributions must be disclosed. c. Lobbying is prohibited immediately after leaving office. d. all the above

d. all the above

What changes have occurred in the lobbying environment over the past three or four decades? a. There is more professional lobbying. b. Many interests lobby both the national government and the states. c. A fragmentation of interests has taken place. d. all the above

d. all the above

Why might several competing corporations join together in an association? a. because there is often strength in numbers b. because they often have common issues that may affect an entire industry c. because they can all benefit from governmental policies d. all the above

d. all the above

consider watching these videos...

https://youtu.be/BGo9Asfwric https://youtu.be/bOvBA7oIIgc https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-government-and-civics/us-gov-interactions-among-branches/us-gov-the-bureaucracy-functions-and-responsibilities/v/iron-triangles-and-issue-networks

Interest Groups vs. Political Parties

-Interest Groups are focused on one idea that all members believe in, endorse candidates. single policy specific -Political Parties are very general, will take anyone, nominate candidates. directly controls operations of government. covers multiple policies Political parties and interest groups both work together and compete for influence, although in different ways.

ways interest groups overcome free riding/collective action

1) FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Groups with financial resources have an advantage in mobilizing in that they can offer incentives or hire a lobbyist. People tend not to free ride when they have skin in the game 2) SIZES. Opinions within smaller groups make it easier to reach consensus. It is also more difficult for members to free ride in a smaller group. larger groups have a greater number of individuals and therefore more viewpoints to consider, making consensus more difficult. It may also be easier to free ride 3) INCENTIVES. Material, Solidary, Purposive 4) LITTLE CHOICE. there is little choice about whether to join an organization. For example, some organizations may require membership in order to participate in a profession. (join American Dermatologist association required by profession) 5) increasing perceived impact or reward

clarifications on interest groups

1) IGs lobby friends/supporters as well as opponents (alliances) to influence change 2) IGs serve Legitimate vs. "Special" Interests 3) IGs claim responsibilities/credits ANYWAY ( In Oberfell v Hodges, LGBTQ interest groups claim victory when actually the gay couple were the ones to file the case. IG's just chimmed in when convienent 4) IGs have Rare dominance & Limited impact. (it doesn't happen often that interest groups have their own iron triangle making it hard to express a particular view. Leads to limited impact on policy making.

forming and maintaining of interest groups

1) Resources/Assets: Tangible (money, print flyers) and Abstract (networks, name recognition...) 2) Scope of interest/ objectives: Alliances (multiple issues) vs. Single-issued those with much resources are more likely to get their voices heard as opposed to those groups who have little funds. They are more powerful and successful and generally speaking, more effective.

motivations for people to join interest groups

1) issue is just so important to the individual (is abstract) 2)Material incentives, purposeful incentives, (is tangible) 3)solitary/psychological incentives (I feel good working with others to accomplish this goal) (is more abstract) solutions to COLLECTIVE ACTION PROBLEM

contract lobbyist

A lobbyist who works for different causes for different clients in the same way that a lawyer represents more than one client. individuals who work for firms that represent a multitude of clients and are often hired because of their resources and their ability to contact and lobby lawmakers, to represent them before the legislature. usually works with interest groups that are tied to corporations like Verizon or Home Depot

Pluarlism

A theory of government and politics emphasizing that many groups, each pressing for its preferred policies, compete and counterbalance one another in the political marketplace. people can interpret this as a balanced or biased system

insider strategy

ALSO CALLED DIRECT LOBBYING Lobbyists working closely with a few key members of Congress, meeting them privately to exchange information and sometimes favors TOP-DOWN directly through the courts: 1) Direct lawsuits: (Brown vs Board of Ed.) 2) Finding plaintiffs from ongoing cases and funding their lawsuits to swing the court's vote 3) Filing amicus curiae briefs to get their voices heard in Supreme Court cases

coalitions

Alliances of various parties the way some interests form coalitions with other interests, and the way they compete for access to decision-makers. Some interest groups will even align themselves with opposing interests if the alliance will achieve their goals. MORE PEOPLE= MORE OPINION= MORE DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES ex)left-leaning groups might oppose a state lottery system because it disproportionately hurts the poor (who participate in this form of gambling at higher rates), while right-leaning groups might oppose it because they view gambling as a sinful activity. These opposing groups might actually join forces in an attempt to defeat the lottery.

interest group

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy makes policy-related appeals to the government can target single issues or a broader scope of issues -NRA is single issue-based while NAACP is broad issue-based they DON'T have to meet in person and instead, are membership-based and can offer certain perks to their supporters. can represent their members or their corporation's views and values HAVE INCREASED IN NUMBERS

astroturf lobbying

Any lobbying method initiated by an interest group that is designed to look like the spontaneous, independent participation of many individuals. indirect lobbying efforts that manipulate or create public sentiment, *"astroturf" being artificial grassroots* a political movement that resembles a grassroots movement but is often supported or facilitated by wealthy interests and/or elites

material incentives

Benefits that have a monetary value, including money, gifts, services, or discounts received as a result of one's membership in an organization. substantive monetary or physical benefits given to group members to help overcome collective action problems

James Madison on factions

Madison believed that factions are inherent to human nature, making it unavoidable that people are living under a state of liberty. Madison argues that "the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property" (Madison). I think what Madison is trying to state is that as long as people have different talents, economic statuses, and amounts of property, people will always continue to associate with others who have similar qualities as them. SAW INTEREST GROUPS AS A NECESSARY EVIL BECAUSE MORE FACTIONS WOULD LIMIT THE MINORITIES INFLUENCE ON GOVERNMENT one group couldn't control the other At the heart of Madison's fears about factions was the unequal distribution of property in society.

Issue network

Relationships among interest groups, congressional committees and subcommittees, and the government agencies that share a common policy concern. AKA (iron triangle)

collective action problems

Situations 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. many people don't participate in interest groups either because they do not feel strong enough or because their action will likely have little bearing on whether a given policy is adopted if you want to accomplish big things within a society, you must form an interest group and rally support for your proposal

outsider strategy/ grassroots lobbying

The mobilization by an interest group of forces outside Washington to put pressure on decision-makers to act in ways favorable to the interest group. Also called "Grassroots lobbying" or "going public" 1) organize advertising campaigns 2) organize protests 3) get members to lobby officials target media to get officials attention members use letters, phone calls and emails to lobby public officials BEGINS FROM BOTTOM-UP (STARTS AT LOCAL LEVEL) if becoming a more used method of lobbying due to the restrictions placed on direct lobbying (insider strategy) and the accessibility of technology

Iron Triangle

The three-way alliance among legislators, bureaucrats, and interest groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their respective interests. remember congressmen's main goal is to get reelected so, of course, that appeal to the interest of there groups. The congressional committee members, including the chair, rely on the interest group for campaign contributions and policy information interest group needs the committee to consider laws favorable to its view. The interest group and the committee need the agency to implement the law, while the agency needs the interest group for information and the committee for funding and autonomy in implementing the law.

Lobbyist

a lobbyist is someone who represents the interest organization before government, is usually compensated for doing so, and is required to register with the government in which he or she lobbies, whether state or federal. The lobbyist's primary goal is usually to influence policy. person who seeks to influence political events

pluralist

a person who believes many groups healthily compete for access to decision-makers

Which of the following is the best example of a solitary benefit? a. joining a group to be with others like you b. joining a group to obtain a monetary benefit c. joining a group because you care about a cause d. joining a group because it is a requirement of your job

a. joining a group to be with others like you

Revolving door laws are designed to do which of the following? a. prevent lawmakers from utilizing their legislative relationships by becoming lobbyists immediately after leaving office b. help lawmakers find work after they leave office c. restrict lobbyists from running for public office d. all the above

a. prevent lawmakers from utilizing their legislative relationships by becoming lobbyists immediately after leaving office

Prisoner's Dilemma

illustrates why cooperation is difficult to maintain even when it is mutually beneficial. People tend to "go back" on their agreements. you're incentivized to turn against each other rather than cooperate with one another. *INTEREST GROUPS HAVE MORE POWER WHEN THEY ALINE BUT WHEN IT COMES TO RECEIVING THE "BENEFIT" THEY DONT WANT TO SHARE. HUMAN NATURE IS GREEDY* A COLLECTIVE ACTION PROBLEM and DOWNSIDE OF ALLIANCES

Pluralism Theory

no single elite (interest group) has a chokehold on the government. The US political system has so many levels of power that no group could dominate it. Everyone can affect the outcome of a decision. pluralism as a concept is a neutral ideology single it promotes equal opportunity for interest groups to compete therefore giving them equal power. HOWEVER, in real life applications some groups dominate over others therefore giving some more power to others nor making them equal in opportunity. (funding, connections, alliances)

voting cues

sources—including fellow lawmakers, constituents, and interest groups—that lawmakers often use to help them decide how to vote, especially on unfamiliar issues

efficacy

the belief that you make a difference and that government cares about you and your views

debate on interest groups

the debate about interest groups often revolves around whether the First Amendment protects the rights of individuals and groups to give money, and whether government can regulate the use of this money.

solidary incentives

the social rewards (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship) that lead people to join political organizations