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Interest Groups

Interest Groups. Another Linkage Institution. Interest Groups. Factions – Federalist #10 – James Madison Different from Political Parties Don’t select candidates, sometimes endorse Rate/grade politicians on “key” votes Lobbying – Have Agenda, Influence Legislation PACs

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Interest Groups

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  1. Interest Groups Another Linkage Institution

  2. Interest Groups • Factions – Federalist #10 – James Madison • Different from Political Parties • Don’t select candidates, sometimes endorse • Rate/grade politicians on “key” votes • Lobbying – Have Agenda, Influence Legislation • PACs • Support candidates – limits set by law 50 – 5 - $5,000 • Issue Advertising

  3. Interest GroupsKinds of Organizations • Institutional Interests • Usually have a clearly defined, narrow interest • Ex) hospitals, universities • Individual or Organization • Business – ex: General Motors, Microsoft • Trade Organization – • ex: NAAM – National Assoc. Automobile Manufacturers • NRA – National Restaurant Asociation

  4. Interest GroupsKinds of Organizations • Individual Interests / Membership Groups • Unions – NEA, WEAC, ECAE • Professional Associations – NCSS, NASO • Interest Groups • Public Interest National Geographic Society Smithsonian • Consumer Sierra Club • Equality & Justice PETA(the other one) • Mr. Rapacz is now old enough for AARP

  5. Interest Groups • Why People Join • Solidarity – pleasure, companionship • Material Incentive – Magazine, services • Purpose of Group – goal of organization • Staff has large amount of influence in many groups • People join for solidarity and benefits • Ex: AAA American Automobile Association for maps & emergency road services while traveling

  6. Interest Groups • “Success” of Group • Membership benefits – magazine, services, lower prices • Controversy / Ideology – issue in the headlines • Highly visible “threat” • Environmental groups – 1980’s James Watt • Conservative groups – Hillary & Bill • NRA – Gun Control laws

  7. Interest Groups in Action • Lobbyists work with supporters & undecided • Don’t like confrontation • Waste of time trying to convert opponents to cause • Information • Bureaucrats and legislators are busy people • Must be credible – trust • Have most accurate & current information • Client Politics – industry & regulators • Political Cues – values & issues – “correct” side • Ratings of legislators by interest groups

  8. Interest Groups in Action • Public Support • “outsider strategy” use media to influence public opinion • Works best on simple issues • Pressure is discounted if too “organized” • Citizen Lobbying days • E-mail events • Postcards • “grassroots” organization is important • Issues supported by residents of district/state • “astroturf” – not a real grassroots - internet

  9. Interest Groups in Action • Money and PACs • Research says not that effective • Money on every side of every issue • Limits are low – small sums spread large & wide • Incumbents get most • Some refuse PAC money • Difficult to raise for most groups

  10. Interest Groups in Action • Protests • Now an accepted political tactic • Marches and rallies need to be large media events • Can be a “No win” situation if turn violent • Difficult and expensive to plan and carry out

  11. Interest Groups • Ethical Concerns • “The Revolving Door” • Ex. Tommy Thompson’s new jobs • Donald Rumsfeld career • Ethics in Government Act 1978 • Applies to Administration & Congress • Disclose Income & Assets (broad range) • Limits on Lobbying

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