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Unit 2

Unit 2. Ch 6-11 Inputs to US Government. Quiz. Write any portion of the group theory of politics. What keeps large interest groups from being very successful? What is the difference between a collective good & a selective good?

rhiannon-hensley
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Unit 2

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  1. Unit 2 Ch 6-11 Inputs to US Government

  2. Quiz • Write any portion of the group theory of politics. • What keeps large interest groups from being very successful? • What is the difference between a collective good & a selective good? • What is the difference between union shops and right-to-work laws? • What are public interest lobbies?

  3. Interest Groups • Groups with interest in shared area – seeking influence • In government • In public opinion

  4. IGs & the Constitution • Not mentioned in constitution • Federalist Papers warned of “factions” (his idea inc parties) • Protected by freedoms: • Speech, press, assembly, petition • Rights of accused (no harassment)

  5. 2 basic functions of IGs • Issue advocacy • Fighting for a cause • Not partisan politics or election campaigning

  6. 2 basic functions of IGs • Issue advocacy • Donations tax-exempt for issue purposes only • Nearly unlimited 1st amendment protections

  7. 2 basic functions of IGs • Campaign advocacy / electioneering • Fighting for a party/candidate • Direct campaigning or donating

  8. 2 basic functions of IGs • Campaign advocacy / electioneering • Donations NOT tax-exempt • Must disclose donations to Federal Election Commission

  9. Political Action Committees • Divisions of IGs that engage in electioneering • Allows issue advocacy division to avoid donation restrictions

  10. Political Action Committees • Collect and bundle donations from members • Use campaign funds: • Donate to candidates / parties • Campaign directly

  11. Types of IGs • Economic groups (most numerous) • Ideological • Identity • Public Interest • Foreign policy

  12. Corporate / Trade group IGs • Want better business climate • Lower taxes, less regulation • Free trade or protection (depends) • More likely Republicans • But many on the fence

  13. Corporate / Trade group IGs • Major industries: • Manufacturing – Defense • Telecom – Alcohol • Banking – Tobacco • Medical – Real Estate • Insurance – Petroleum

  14. Labor Unions • Want more rights for workers • Heavily favor Democrats • Largest type of big $ donors

  15. Labor Unions • Most politically important labor unions in US: • AFL-CIO – UAW • AFSCME – Teamsters • IBEW – NEA

  16. Professional Orgs • Very powerful compared to # of members – lots of $ available • AMA – AICPA • ADA – ABA

  17. Ideological IGs • Fight for a cause – often for a single issue • Gun rights • NRA – (strongest IG in US) • Environmental • Sierra Club, WWF

  18. Ideological IGs • Abortion—pro-life • NRLC • FRC • Susan B. Anthony List • Abortion—pro-choice • NARAL • NOW • EMILY’s List

  19. Identity IGs • Groups based on personal identity • AARP (largest IG in US) • NAACP • ADL

  20. Public Interest IGs • Only issue advocacy • Nonpolitical groups • Most any charity • Common Cause

  21. Foreign policy IGs • Council on Foreign Relations • American-Israel PAC • Amnesty International

  22. Varying characteristics of IGs • Size • Free rider problem • Must keep members active • Selective benefits • Small groups sometimes more powerful

  23. Varying characteristics of IGs • Scope • Some IGs influential in certain areas & not in others • Leadership • Strong leaders amplify influence

  24. Varying characteristics of IGs • Resources •  $ often means  access • Influence: small groups of rich ≥ large groups of working class

  25. Techniques of IGs • Groups do whatever is easiest to accomplish goals • Don’t go to lower preference unless it’s necessary

  26. Preferable Techniques • Lobbying • Direct contact of gov officials by highly paid professionals • Not just Congress • Executive Branch agencies • State governments • NOT JUDGES

  27. Preferable Techniques • Revolving door • Best lobbyists are former members of Congress • Retain contacts in Congress & executive agencies

  28. Preferable Techniques • Donations from IGs • Often distributed by lobbyists • Not usually a quid pro quo • Long-term relationship between gov official & group that agree

  29. Preferable Techniques • Technical advice • Lobbyists often write & submit technical laws to Congressmen • They know their industry • Friendly members sponsor the bills in the House or Senate

  30. Preferable Techniques • Technical advice • Laws on technical issues often left relatively vague • Exec branch agencies in charge of more specific applications • Lobbyists help craft rules

  31. Next preferences • Grassroots efforts • Get regular people involved • Publicity stunts (free press) • Newsletters / mass mailings • Petitions / demonstrations • Media buys (can be expensive)

  32. Last resort • Litigation • Only if gov doesn’t listen • Take them to court to get rights • Often very expensive & time consuming

  33. Last resort • Litigation • Can be actual attorneys or give financial support to litigants • Amicus curiae briefs • Written arguments submitted to courts from “friend of the court” • Not parties to the case

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