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Interest Groups

Interest Groups. Wilson 11 A. Objective Questions. Who Governs. To What Ends. Do interest groups dominate government, and is any particular lobby politically unbeatable? Why do people join interest groups?.

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Interest Groups

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  1. Interest Groups Wilson 11 A

  2. Objective Questions Who Governs To What Ends Do interest groups dominate government, and is any particular lobby politically unbeatable? Why do people join interest groups? Is the proliferation of PACs and other groups good or bad for America’s representative democracy? Should interest groups’ political activities be restricted by law?

  3. K Street • Row of office-buildings in DC • Home of interest groups and lobbies • Many cleavages between people • Many entry points into the system • Many opportunities open by weak parties

  4. Birth of Interest Groups • Began with independence • Exploded in the 1960/70s • Broad economic developments • Farmers, Unions • Government Policies • Wars, Professional Organizations • Strong Leadership • Social Movements, Education, Religious Revivals • Expanding Role of Government

  5. Institutional Organizations • Non-member groups • Lead by DC lawyers and public relations experts • Represents business and trade associations • Governments, foundations, universities • Small and specific or large and general

  6. Membership Organizations • America is a nation of joiners • Religious • Civic • Political • Political efficacy • Civic duty • What is the incentive?

  7. Incentives • Solidary – social rewards • Local • PTA • American Legion • League of Women Voters • Material – money, goods and services • Farm Bureaus • AARP • NEA • Purposive – causes or principles

  8. Ideological Interest Groups • Coherent and controversial principles • Purposive • Public Citizen (Nader) • Sierra Club (Muir) • ACLU • Public Interest – benefits nonmembers • Most public • Timing

  9. Staff Influence • More influence in solidary and material groups • Different than members • Publicity for purposive groups • Contacts with media • Public press releases • Crisis lobbies

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