On a clean sheet of paper…

1. On a clean sheet of paper… • list all organizations that you and your family members are a part of.

2. Interest Groups Any organization that seeks to INFLUENCEpublic policy.

3. Three Types of Interest Groups • 1. Single – Issue • 2. Social Action • 3. Economic

4. National Rifle Association- NRA 2nd Amendment Handgun Control Inc. Gun Regulation MADD Right-to-Life National Abortion Rights Single Issue Interest Groups-(5)

6. NOW-National Organization of Women Sierra Club- Protection of Wildlife ACLU- Amer. Civil Liberties Union- Protect 1st Amendment Rights National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP- Equality Social Action Interest Groups (4)

8. Labor Unions AFL-CIO-Rights of skilled and unskilled workers. Chamber of Commerce Economic Interest Groups (3)

9. Professional Associations American Medical Association-AMA American Bar Association-ABA Protect Lawyers Agriculture National Grange Economic Interest Groups

10. Functions of Interest Groups • Functions • PROVIDEINFORMATION to legislators and the public (most significant role) • EX) AAA provides highway death figures when the speed limit is increased • INFLUENCE PUBLIC POLICY

11. Tactics of Interest Groups • Tactics • hold rallies • stir/start legislation • Lobbying • raise money $$ for candidates/parties • use persuasive propaganda

12. What is Lobbying?? • Lobbying: interest group representatives speak DIRECTLY with lawmakers to influence them • Lobbyists have tremendous power • Origin: British reps once crowded into the lobbies outside legislative chambers of Parliament to speak with lawmakers

16. Types of Lobbying • “grassroots” • A movement started and carried out by people at a local level, not by professionals • EX) petitions, protests, letters – MADD • Why effective?

17. Types of Lobbying • “PROFESSIONAL LOBBYISTS” • Companies hire professional to speak to officials (Sydney Allen Wade- Movie) • EX) Tobacco companies hire people to persuade officials to oppose laws damaging to the tobacco industry.

20. Types of Lobbying • “ASTROTURF” • What is astroturf??? • So, what do you think “astroturf lobbying” is? • A lobbying movement set up by big $$ (usually big business) to have the appearance of a grassroots movement • EX) “Big Tobacco” sends out letters with self-addressed envelopes to people with the hope that they will sign their names to the letter and mail it back

21. Anti-Astroturfing Code of Ethics • Kami Huyse proposes an anti-astroturfing code of ethics and asks for input: • I will not fabricate a public concern by paying or coercing individuals to falsely act as concerned citizens. I will only seek to help give voice to those who already hold an existing concern and/or provide education to stakeholders that might be affected by a particular issue. • When supporting grassroots efforts, I will ensure that I am transparent in all my actions and clearly and publicly state what actions I am taking and which organization or client I represent. • I will never knowingly distort of falsify information to help my client/interest achieve a strategic/emotional advantage in a public debate. • I will encourage all grassroots supporters to be open and honest in all of their communications, just as I will be open and honest in mine.

22. How do interest groups raise money $$$ ??? • “PAC’s” • PAC = Political Action Committee • Ex) VOTE-COPE (NY teachers union PAC); EMILY’s List (support female candidates) • set up by interest groups to RAISE MONEY $$$$$ for candidates and parties • Individual Campaign contributions are limited to $2,300 per election, but PAC’s can give $5,000 to a candidate or $15,000 to a party • PAC’s can also run their own “issue ads” on TV • Opensecrets.org

23. “Hard” $ vs “Soft” $ • The limited $2,300 per election amount is called “HARD”MONEY and goes directly to the candidate running for office • Candidates can use this $ to run ads supporting their candidacy

24. “Hard” $ vs “Soft” $ • “Soft” Money • Unlimited $$$ raised and spent by interest groups on their own ads • “527” interest groups and some PAC’s can run “issue ads” w/ soft $ • Such "issue ads" won't explicitly tell you to elect or defeat a particular candidate, but the group's view of the candidate's stance on their issue is clear. • Highly controversial….why?

26. Why are there so many interest groups in America? • Constitutional protection • 1st amendment (free speech & assembly) • Pluralistic Society • Many different political, social, and economic interests • Many access points to influence the law making process • Rising costs of political campaigns

27. Other Incentives • Material Benefits • Discounts • Money • Special services to members only • Travel • Free items