110 likes | 220 Views
Interest Groups. Constitutional roots. Congress shall make no law…abridging …the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. --First Amendment. Interest Groups.
E N D
Constitutional roots Congress shall make no law…abridging …the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. --First Amendment
Interest Groups • Definition: groups that have organized to try to affect government policy. • (And don’t run candidates for office)
Examples of interest groups? • American Civil Liberties Union • The Christian Coalition • National Rifle Association • National Organization for Women • The Sierra Club • A.A.R.P. (American Association of Retired Persons) • National Right to Life Committee • National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League • The Concord Coalition • The Federalist Society • American Association of Manufacturers • Pharmalogical Manufacturers Association of America
Lobbying in the policymaking process • Case study: the AARP • Influence from Huge membership
Interest Groups in the Policymaking Process • Problem definition • Studies and research reports • Drafting legislation • Agendasetting • Polls, press releases, press conferences
Lobbying in the policymaking process Lobbying • Informal participation • Formal participation (testifying) • Astroturf lobbying (generating mail) • Demonstrations • Going Public (HIAA-Harry and Louise) • Giving money to candidates (not all groups do!)
Campaign Finance • PACs (Political Action Committees) • Must raise money from 50 people (+) • Must contribute to at least 5 candidates • Maximum $5000 contribution per campaign • All public information
Implementation • Reacting to proposed rules • The Federal Register • Testifying • Informal lobbying
Interpretation • Filing court cases to challenge laws • Filing amicus briefs
Lobbying as a bad word… • Money buys access • Revolving Door grants access • Meals, travel and gifts • Private bills, contracts, loopholes