Participation and Interest Groups

1. Participation and Interest Groups Or, “Who Makes the Laws and How Do They Do It?”

2. Interest Groups • An interest group is an organized collection of individuals bound by shared attitudes and concerns who make demands on political institutions • Most organizations are NOT formed for political purposes. • Only 10% of people participate in groups which are interest groups

3. Group Membership • 75% of Americans belong to some type of organization, with 50% belonging to two or more • Higher income, education and living standards are more likely to belong to groups • More women than men; more older than younger; more Anglos than minorities • People join for personal and material benefits, social benefits and personal satisfaction

4. Pluralism and Democratic Theory • James Madison warned about the mischief of factions that would attempt to impose their will on government • Pluralism is the theory that political influence is shared by diverse and competing interest groups

5. Elitist Alternative • Elitism is the theory that a few individuals control enormous political power by virtue of their position in large organizations or through their personal wealth • People who subscribe to this system believe that any organization will produce an “oligarchy” and that any organization will be subjected to the iron rule of oligarchy

6. Elitist Generalizations • Power is held by a few individuals, derived from their position • Historically wealthy, older, well-educated and white male • Consensus and cohesion on primary interests and values • Network of interlocking memberships • Few individuals make most policy decisions • Elections have limited effect on policy

7. Texas history • Elitists believe that Texas was dominated for many years (mid-30’s to mid-50’s) by the Establishment, a loosely knit group of businessmen, bankers, oilmen and attorneys • Traditionalistic-Individualistic political culture was conducive to a conservative group

8. Hyperpluralism and More • Hyperpluralism is interest group power run amuck • Some believe that an iron triangle has been created, where power resides in the relationship between interest groups, legislative committees and administrative agencies • Single-issue groups push one position and rarely compromise

9. Interest Group Resources • Size may be important, does not guarantee power • Geographic distribution can help • Financial resources are critical • Reputation is critical – lying or distorting damages relationships with lawmakers • Leadership and staff

10. Dominant Texas Interest Groups • Business • Broad-based associations represent business and industry in general (Tex. Assn. Of Business, Chambers of Commerce) • Trade associations (Texas Bankers, Texas Restaurant, Associated General Contractors) • Hired lobbyists • Usually bank against labor, consumer advocates and trial lawyers

11. Dominant Texas Interest Groups • Professional Groups • Texas Medical Association • Texas Trial Lawyers • Tort law fight remains ongoing • Education • UT/A&M Systems, along with alumni • Teachers associations, school boards and administrators

12. Dominant Texas Interest Groups • Public Interest Groups • Texans for Lawsuit Reform • Common Cause • Sierra Club • AARP • Minorities • NAACP • LULAC • MALDEF

13. Dominant Texas Interest Groups • Labor • Texas is a right-to-work state, meaning that union membership cannot be required as a condition of employment • AFL-CIO (umbrella organization) • Communication Workers of America (phone) • Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Not very powerful in the state right now

14. Dominant Texas Interest Groups • Governmental lobbyists • Texas Association of Counties • Texas District and County Attorneys • Texas Municipal League • Harris County • Agriculture (Farm Bureau, Cattle Raisers) • Religious (Baptist General Convention, Christian Coalition)

15. Lobbyists • Nearly 2,000 lobbyists, all of whom must register with Texas Ethics Commission • Most are former legislators • Some hired for general purposes, some for specific policy areas including specific bills • Successful ones have great understanding of legislative process

16. Policymaking Process • Lobbying is simply the practice of attempting to influence the decisions of government • Indirect lobbying • Electoral activities • Candidate support • Financial support (PAC – political action committee) • Federal law limits to $2000 per candidate per giver; no such state limit • No corporate support directly to candidate

17. Policymaking Process • Indirect Lobbying • Public Opinion • Use media to cultivate favorable opinion • Mobilize public support (tort law) • Protests and Marches • Direct Lobbying • Drafting legislation • Planning and implementing legislative strategy

18. Policymaking Process • Direct Lobbying • Personal contact and communication (especially during the session, but usually done away from the Capitol) • Testimony at hearings • Interest group coalition

19. Pluralism • Characteristics of pluralism • Groups form the primary action in policy, giving individuals political resources and a contact point within government • Politics is group interaction and public policy results from resolution of group conflict • No one group can dominate since there are so many • Most people don’t actively participate • Most group leaders are committed to democratic values, which serves a check and balance function