Chapter 10- Interest Groups- (American Federal Government)

Breaking lobbying laws can result in

Banss from lobbying fines prision

free rider problem

This result is often termed the free rider problem, because some individuals can receive benefits (get a free ride) without helping to bear the cost.

What is the difference between rioting and protesting?

(A protest is an orderly exercise of the constitutional right of free speech and peaceful assembly. Rioting involves destroying property and/or attacking other people, which are crimes.)

Why is The Tea Party is an example of a so-called astroturf movement?

, because it is not, strictly speaking, a grassroots movement. Many trace the party's origins to groups that champion the interests of the wealthy such as Americans for Prosperity and Citizens for a Sound Economy. Although many ordinary citizens support the Tea Party because of its opposition to tax increases, it attracts a great deal of support from elite and wealthy sponsors, some of whom are active in lobbying. The FreedomWorks political action committee (PAC), for example, is a conservative advocacy group that has supported the Tea Party movement.

What are some different tactics lobbyists use?

- Inside lobbying - Outside lobbying

What are ways that collective action problems can be overcome?

- Material incentives - Solitary incentives - purposive incentives - Required to because of profession

How does the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provide purposive incentives to it's members?

A commitment to protecting rights and liberties can serve as an incentive in overcoming collective action problems, because members or potential members care enough about the issues to join or participate. Thus, interest groups and their leadership will use whatever incentives they have at their disposal to overcome collective action problems and mobilize their members.

A study of almost eighteen hundred policy decisions made over a twenty-year period revealed that the interests of the wealthy have much greater influence on the government than those of average citizens.

According to The approval or disapproval of proposed policy changes by average voters had relatively little effect on whether the changes took place. When wealthy voters disapproved of a particular policy, it almost never was enacted. When wealthy voters favored a particular policy, the odds of the policy proposal's passing increased to more than 50 percent.

What do revolving door laaws do?

Also, revolving door laws also prevent lawmakers from lobbying government immediately after leaving public office. Members of the House of Representatives cannot register to lobby for a year after they leave office, while senators have a two-year "cooling off" period before they can officially lobby.Former cabinet secretaries must wait the same period of time after leaving their positions before lobbying the department of which they had been the head. These laws are designed to restrict former lawmakers from using their connections in government to give them an advantage when lobbying.

What is a defense given to the iron triangle?

An alternate explanation of the arrangement of duties carried out in a given policy area by interest groups, legislators, and agency bureaucrats is that these actors are the experts in that given policy area. Hence, perhaps they are the ones most qualified to process policy in the given area.

The devolution of power explains the increase in the number and type of interests at leas at the state level

As power and responsibility shifted to state governments in the 1980s So interest groups sometimes focus their attention at the state level

Forty years ago, stem cell research was not an issue on the government agenda, but as science and technology advanced, its techniques and possibilities became known to the media and the public,

As societal attitudes change and new issues develop, and as the public becomes aware of them, we can expect to see the rise of interests addressing them.

What is one of the key purposes of the This was one of the key purposes of the Lobbying Disclosure Act?

Candidates may be reluctant to accept contributions from donors affiliated with unpopular interests such as hate groups. This was one of the key purposes of the Lobbying Disclosure Act and comparable laws at the state level.vel.

What did the Citizens United case do?

Citizens United overturned the soft money ban of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act and allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. Essentially, the Supreme Court argued in a 5-4 decision that these entities had free speech rights, much like individuals, and that free speech included campaign spending.

Why is the Iron triangle hard to break?

Each element has a symbiotic relationship with the other two, and it is difficult for those outside the triangle to break into it. The congressional committee members, including the chair, rely on the interest group for campaign contributions and policy information, while the 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.

Interest groups are always very niche, and always appeal to a certain political party (T/F)

False- Some interests are more broadly focused than others. AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) has approximately thirty-eight million members and advocates for individuals fifty and over on a variety of issues including health care, insurance, employment, financial security, and consumer protection (Figure 10.4).15 This organization represents both liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, and many who do not identify with these categorizations.

amateur or volunteer lobbyists,

Finally, sometimes individuals volunteer to represent an organization. They are called amateur or volunteer lobbyists, and are typically not compensated for their lobbying efforts. In some cases, citizens may lobby for pet projects because they care about some issue or cause. They may or may not be members of an interest group, but if they register to lobby, they are sometimes nicknamed "hobbyists."

The book uses the definition of lobbying from the Lobbying Disclosure Act which states...

For present purposes, we might restrict our definition to the relatively broad one in the Lobbying Disclosure Act.2 This act requires the registration of lobbyists representing any interest group and devoting more than 20 percent of their time to it.3 Clients and lobbying firms must also register with the federal government based on similar requirements. Moreover, campaign finance laws require disclosure of campaign contributions given to political candidates by organizations.

What is a lobbyist?

Formally, 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 they lobby, whether state or federal. The lobbyist's primary goal is usually to influence policy.

Do some view the iron triangle as outdated?

Hugh Heclo of George Mason University has sketched a more open pattern he calls an issue network that includes a number of different interests and political actors that work together in support of a single issue or policy.

What created the "soft money" loophole?

In 1979, an exemption was granted to get-out-the vote and grassroots voter registration drives, creating what has become known as the soft-money loophole; soft money was a way in which interests could spend money on behalf of candidates without being restricted by federal law. To close this loophole,

We have also seen greater limits on inside lobbying activities.

In the past, many lobbyists were described as "good ol' boys" who often provided gifts or other favors in exchange for political access or other considerations. Today, restrictions limit the types of gifts and benefits lobbyists can bestow on lawmakers. There are certainly fewer "good ol' boy" lobbyists, and many lobbyists are now full-time professionals. The regulation of lobbying is addressed in greater detail below.

According to 1,800 made over 20 year period. Indeed, the preferences of those in the top 10 percent of the population in terms of income had an impact fifteen times greater than those of average income. In terms of the effect of interest groups on policy, Gilens and Page found that business interest groups had twice the influence of public interest groups.

Indeed, the preferences of those in the top 10 percent of the population in terms of income had an impact fifteen times greater than those of average income. In terms of the effect of interest groups on policy, Gilens and Page found that business interest groups had twice the influence of public interest groups.

organization will contact lawmakers to voice approval or disapproval of proposed legislation is an example of what lobbyist tactic?

Inside lobbying

What is a definition of interest groups?

Most definitions specify that interest group indicates any formal association of individuals or organizations that attempt to influence government decision-making and/or the making of public policy. Often, this influence is exercised by a lobbyist or a lobbying firm.

Teacher's unions, parent-teacher organizations, and other and other education-related interests monitored initial implementation and on-going operations

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) promoted promoted and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002. That law was replaced in 2015 with the Every Student Succeeds Act, due in part to continual lobbying by teacher unions who tired of the stronger federal role that NCLB necessitated.

How can free riding be overcome

Olson argued, for instance, that some groups are better able than others to surmount collective action problems. Bigger groups get money easier- it's easier to free ride Small groups- voices get heard more easily- it's harder to free ride

Examples of collective goods

Other examples of collective goods are public safety, highway safety, public education, and environmental protection. With some exceptions, if an environmental interest promotes clean air or water, most or all citizens are able to enjoy the result

encourage group members to take action by either donating money to it or contacting lawmakers about the proposed bill is an example of what lobbyist tactic?

Outside Lobbying

Is participation in the U.S been =?

Participation in the United States has never been equal; wealth and education, components of socioeconomic status, are strong predictors of political engagement. We already discussed how wealth can help overcome collective action problems, but lack of wealth also serves as a barrier to participation more generally. These types of barriers pose challenges, making it less likely for some groups than others to participate.

The need to regulate actions of lobbyists becoem clare with the activites of Jack Abramoff who...

Payed for vactiosn fo congress to an island that Abramoff was connected to- (sweat shops keep away min wage) Hey payed wife of congress person to find the favorite charities of congress memebers In 2008, Jack Abramoff was sentenced to four years in prison for tax evasion, fraud, and corruption of public officials.86 He was released early, in December 2010. Abramoff has become an outspoken critic of the lobbying industry.

Interest groups have increasingly utilized digital means to have attention paid to their causes.

Perhaps most piercing in effect over recent years is the use of so-called hashtag activism. The hashtag is a visible part of life on Twitter and key hashtags have induced press coverage and press taglines. The most visible such use was likely the #MeToo movement, which snowballed quickly as famous woman after famous woman confirmed that they, too, had faced harrassment.

What are private goods?

Private goods are items individuals can own, including corporate profits. An

Today, 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. (R/NE)

Real

How was the soft money loophole closed?

Senators John McCain and Russell Feingold sponsored the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in 2002 to ban parties from collecting and distributing unregulated money.

How long do interest groups last?

Some coalitions are long-standing, while others are temporary. Joining coalitions does come with a cost, because it can dilute preferences and split potential benefits that the groups attempt to accrue. Some interest groups will even align themselves with opposing interests if the alliance will achieve their goals.

Interest groups facilitate political participation in a number of ways.

Some members are active Try to get more voters presidency. Interest groups also organize letter-writing campaigns, stage protests, and sometimes hold fundraisers for their cause or even for political campaigns.

an example of a collective action problem,

Some people in a group project doing all the work and the people who did non get all the credit do to disincentive

fragmentation can occur when a large interest like this has diverging needs.

Such was also the case when several unions split from the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations), the nation's largest federation of unions, in 2005.43 Improved technology and the development of social media have made it easier for smaller groups to form and to attract and communicate with members. The use of the Internet to raise money has also made it possible for even small groups to receive funding.

Collective action problems exist when people have a disincentive to take action.

T

Many activities are prohibited to prevent accusations of vote buying or currying favor with lawmakers.

T

Many ex-lawmakers become lobbyists despite revolving door laws

T

People in certain racial and ethnic populations may also participate less often than the majority population, although when we control for wealth and education levels, we see fewer differences in participation rates. Still, there is a bias in participation and representation, and this bias extends to interest groups as well.

T

Similarly, scientists and others who believe that human activity has had a negative effect on the earth's temperature and weather patterns attribute such phenomena as the increasing frequency and severity of storms to "climate change." Industrialists and their supporters refer to alterations in the earth's climate as "global warming." Those who dispute that such a change is taking place can thus point to blizzards and low temperatures as evidence that the earth is not becoming warmer.

T

Structural barriers like voter identification laws may also disproportionately affect people with low socioeconomic status, although the effects of these laws may not be fully understood for some time.

T

The federal and state governments prohibit certain activities like providing gifts to lawmakers and compensating lobbyists with commissions for successful lobbying.

T

While most lobbyists do comply with the law, exactly how the laws alter behavior is not completely understood. We know the laws prevent lobbyists from engaging in certain behaviors, such as by limiting campaign contributions or preventing the provision of certain gifts to lawmakers, but how they alter lobbyists' strategies and tactics remains unclear.

T

Tea Party protests, for instance, gave individuals all over the country the opportunity to voice their opposition to government actions and control. Likewise, the Black Lives Matter movement also gave a voice to individuals and communities frustrated with unequal treatment from police officers.

T Note- the Tea Party movement might not meet the definition of interest groups presented earlier, its aims have been promoted by established interest groups.

According to political scientists Jeffrey Berry and Clyde Wilcox, interest groups provide a means of representing people and serve as a link between them and government.

T educate public get people involved frame issues

Over the last few decades, we have also witnessed an increase in professionalization in lobbying and in the sophistication of lobbying techniques.

T- This was not always the case, because lobbying was not considered a serious profession in the mid-twentieth century. Over the past three decades, there has been an increase in the number of contract lobbying firms.

Third, governments require varying levels of disclosure about the amount of money spent on lobbying efforts.

T- The logic here is that lawmakers will think twice about accepting money from controversial donors. The other advantage to disclosure requirements is that they promote transparency. Many

Finally, people do not often participate because they lack the political skill to do so or believe that it is impossible to influence government actions.∆

TRUE!!!°← They might also lack interest or could be apathetic. Participation usually requires some knowledge of the political system, the candidates, or the issues. Younger people in particular are often cynical about government's response to the needs of non-elites.

Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends best practices for restroom access for transgender workers indicating that all employees should have access to bathroom facilities that correspond to their gender identity.

How did the McCutcheon decisiosn further extend spending allowances?

The McCutcheon decision further extended spending allowances based on the First Amendment by striking down aggregate contribution limits. These limits put caps on the total contributions allowed and some say have contributed to a subsequent increase in groups and lobbying activities

the number of institutions and corporate interests has increased both in Washington and in the states. Telecommunication companies like Verizon and AT&T will lobby Congress for laws beneficial to their businesses, but they also target the states because state legislatures make laws that can benefit or harm their activities.

There has also been an increase in the number of public interest groups that represent the public as opposed to economic interests. U.S. PIRG is a public interest group that represents the public on issues including public health, the environment, and consumer protection.

State definitions of lobbyist vary consequently

Therefore, while a citizen contacting a lawmaker to discuss an issue is generally not viewed as lobbying, an organization that devotes a certain amount of time and resources to contacting lawmakers may be classified as lobbying, depending on local, state, or federal law.

Interest groups may also form to represent companies, corporate organizations, and governments. Characteristics of these groups are

These groups do not have individual members but rather are offshoots of corporate or governmental entities with a compelling interest to be represented in front of one or more branches of government. Verizon and Coca-Cola will register to lobby in order to influence policy in a way that benefits them. These corporations will either have one or more in-house lobbyists, who work for one interest group or firm and represent their organization in a lobbying capacity, and/or will hire a contract lobbyist, 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.

What are the restrictions of foreign lobbyists

These individuals face the same requirements as domestic lobbyists under the Lobby Disclosure Act. Moreover, they are required to register as foreign agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Despite these requirements, some have raised concerns about the dangers of foreign influence, as enforcement of these disclosure requirements can be tough. Others argue that freedom of speech and assembly applies to all, not just to U.S. citizens.

According to the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, lobbyists must certify that they have not violated the law regarding gift giving, and the penalty for knowingly violating the law increased from a fine of $50,000 to one of $200,000.

True

At the State level their is an inverse relationship of power between Political parties and interest groups

True

Both the Silent Spring and Ferguson examples demonstrate the idea that people will naturally join groups in response to disturbances.

True

However, not all scholars accept the premise that mobilization is natural and that all groups have the potential for access to decision-makers.

True

Interest group politics are often characterized by whether the groups have access to decision-makers and can participate in the policy-making process.

True

Interest groups and organizations represent both private and public interests in the United States.

True

Many environmental groups are public interest groups that lobby for and raise awareness of issues that affect large segments of the population. (T/F)

True

Many interest groups, including the Sierra Club, will use a combination of inside and outside tactics in their lobbying efforts, choosing whatever strategy is most likely to help them achieve their goals. (T/F)

True

On the federal level, universities may lobby for research funds from government departments. (T/F)

True

Rather than being a single disturbance, debate about immigration policy has ebbed and flowed in recent years, creating what might best be described as a series of minor disturbances.

True

The Koch Brother are conservative billionaires who have possibly "bought" elections.

True

The states also have their own registration requirements, with some defining lobbying broadly and others more narrowly.

True

Thus, the conclusion that businesses, the wealthy, and elites win in every situation is overstated.62

True

Madison believed limiting factions was more dangerous than stopping them entirely

True Madison thought the best way to deal with them was to let them flourish and compete against each other- Stopping them would violate freedom

The elite critique suggests that certain interests, typically businesses and the wealthy, are advantaged and that policies more often reflect their wishes than anyone else's.

True-

Most interest organizations engage in lobbying activity to achieve their objectives.

True- Interest groups typically hire internally.

As the clean air example above suggests, collective goods are generally nonexcludable, meaning all or most people are entitled to the public good and cannot be prevented from enjoying it.

True- Furthermore, collective goods are generally not subject to crowding, so that even as the population increases, Thus, the military does not protect citizens only in Texas and Maryland while neglecting those in New York and Idaho, but instead it provides the collective good of national defense equally to citizens in all states. As another example, even as more cars use a public roadway, under most circumstances, additional drivers still have the option of using the same road. (High-occupancy vehicle lanes may restrict some lanes of a highway for drivers who do not car pool.)

Parties and interest groups do compete with each other, however, often for influence.

True- Though some interest groups work more closely with some political parties more than others

Some scholars argue that disturbance theory can explain why groups mobilize due to an event in the political, economic, or social environment.

True- FE in 1962, Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, a book exposing the dangers posed by pesticides such as DDT.24 The book served as a catalyst for individuals worried about the environment and the potential dangers of pesticides. The result was an increase in both the number of environmental interest groups, such as Greenpeace and American Rivers, and the number of members within them.

The ability to overcome collective action problems is not equally distributed across groups; as Mancur Olson noted, small groups and those with economic advantages were better off in this regard.

True-Disadvantaged interests face many challenges including shortages of resources, time, and skills.

Why do The elite critique suggests that certain interests, typically businesses and the wealthy, are advantaged and that policies more often reflect their wishes than anyone else's?

Wealthy have power to- n-house lobbyists or high-priced contract lobbyists to represent them. can also afford to give money to politicians-

What are some other functions of interest groups?

While influencing policy is the primary goal, interest groups also monitor government activity, serve as a means of political participation for members, and provide information to the public and to lawmakers.

Are you sometimes required to join an interest group?

Yes. Finally, sometimes collective action problems are overcome because there is little choice about whether to join an organization. For example, some organizations may require membership in order to participate in a profession. To practice law, individuals may be required to join the American Bar Association or a state bar association.

The iron triangle is....

a hypothetical arrangement among three elements (the corners of the triangle): an interest group, a congressional committee member or chair, and an agency within the bureaucracy.

public interest groups

attempt to promote public, or collective, goods. Such collective goods are benefits—tangible or intangible—that help most or all citizens. These goods are often produced collectively, and because they may not be profitable and everyone may not agree on what public goods are best for society, they are often underfunded and thus will be underproduced unless there is government involvement. Ex. The Tennessee Valley Authority, a government corporation, provides electricity in some places where it is not profitable for private firms to do so.

Why are lobbying firms effective?

effective because they bring significant resources to the table, their lobbyists are knowledgeable about the issues on which they lobby, and they may have existing relationships with lawmakers. In fact, relationships between lobbyists and legislators are often ongoing, and these are critical if lobbyists want access to lawmakers. However, not every interest can afford to hire high-priced contract lobbyists to represent it.

The poor may also have low levels of efficacy

efficacy, which refers to the conviction that you can make a difference or that government cares about you and your views. People with low levels of efficacy are less likely to participate in politics, including voting and joining interest groups. Therefore, they are often underrepresented in the political arena.

purposive incentives

focus on the issues or causes promoted by the group. Someone concerned about protecting individual rights might join a group like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) because it supports the liberties guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution, even the free expression of unpopular views.

What Public interest research groups (PIRGs)?

have increased in recent years, and many now exist nationally and at the state level. they provide opportunities for people to make a difference in the political process. PIRGs try to promote the common or public good, and most issues they favor affect many or even all citizens. Student Student PIRGs focus on issues that are important to students, including tuition costs, textbook costs, new voter registration, sustainable universities, and homelessness

What are the characteristics of membership organizations interest groups?

individuals join voluntarily and to which they usually pay dues. Membership groups often consist of people who have common issues or concerns, or who want to be with others who share their views. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a membership group consisting of members who promote gun rights

Governments such as municipalities and executive departments such as the Department of Education register to lobby in an effort to maximize their share of budgets or increase their level of autonomy. These government institutions are represented by a...

legislative liaison, whose job is to present issues to decision-makers.

Private interests usually seek

particularized benefits from government that favor either a single interest or a narrow set of interests. For example, corporations and political institutions may lobby government for tax exemptions, fewer regulations, or favorable laws that benefit individual companies or an industry more generally. - Thier goal is to promote private goods

offer solidary incentives

provide the benefit of joining with others who have the same concerns or are similar in other ways. Some scholars suggest that people are naturally drawn to others with similar concerns.

The state and fed alws sepll out legal and illegal activites and the attorneys general and prosecutors are....

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.

What are some other names from interest groups?

special interests, interest organizations, pressure groups, or just interests.

Pro-life individuals typically make the distinction and call pro-choice idea pro-abortion

t

Political scientists often examine the diversity of registered groups, in part to determine how well they reflect the variety of interests in society.

t Some areas may be dominated by certain industries, while others may reflect a multitude of interests. Some interests appear to have increased at greater rates than others.

inside lobbying or direct lobbying,

takes the interest group's message directly to a government official such as a lawmaker.11 Inside lobbying tactics include testifying in legislative hearings and helping to draft legislation. Numerous surveys of lobbyists have confirmed that the vast majority rely on these inside strategies. For example, nearly all report that they contact lawmakers, testify before the legislature, help draft legislation, and contact executive agencies. Trying to influence government appointments or providing favors to members of government are somewhat less common insider tactics.

While most scholars agree that some interests do have advantages, others have questioned the overwhelming dominance of certain interests. Additionally, neopluralist scholars argue...

that certainly some interests are in a privileged position, but these interests do not always get what they want.61 Instead, their influence depends on a number of factors in the political environment such as public opinion, political culture, competition for access, and the relevance of the issue. Even wealthy interests do not always win if their position is at odds with the wish of an attentive public. If public agaisnt it politicans might listen.

The size of the economy has a bearing on the number of interests, but only up to a certain point, after which the number increases at a declining rate.

the limit on the number of interests depends on the available resources and levels of competition.

Why does The American Beverage Association10 includes Coca-Cola, Red Bull North America, ROCKSTAR, and Kraft Foods. Despite the fact that these companies are competitors?

they have common interests related to the manufacturing, bottling, and distribution of beverages, as well as the regulation of their business activities. The logic is that there is strength in numbers, and if members can lobby for tax breaks or eased regulations for an entire industry, they may all benefit. These common goals do not, however, prevent individual association members from employing in-house lobbyists or contract lobbying firms to represent their own business or organization as well. Indeed, many members of associations are competitors who also seek representation individually before the legislature.

What are the differences between political parties and interest groups?

unlike political parties, interest groups do not function primarily to elect candidates under a certain party label or to directly control the operation of the government. Political parties in the United States are generally much broader coalitions that represent a significant proportion of citizens. In America parties try to spread 'large' nets. Typically have more limited memebership

outside lobbying or indirect lobbying tactics

whereby the interest attempts to get its message out to the public.12 These tactics include issuing press releases, placing stories and articles in the media, entering coalitions with other groups, and contacting interest group members, hoping that they will individually pressure lawmakers to support or oppose legislation.

Interest groups also include associations

which are typically groups of institutions that join with others, often within the same trade or industry (trade associations), and have similar concerns.

Some interest groups develop as grassroots movements

which often begin from the bottom up among a small number of people at the local level. Interest groups can amplify the voices of such individuals through proper organization and allow them to participate in ways that would be less effective or even impossible alone or in small numbers.