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Chapter Six

Chapter Six. Interest Groups. What are interest groups?. Collection of people who share a common belief or attitude and seek to influence government. Most begin as “movements” (ex: women’s rights)

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Chapter Six

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  1. Chapter Six Interest Groups

  2. What are interest groups? • Collection of people who share a common belief or attitude and seek to influence government. • Most begin as “movements” (ex: women’s rights) • Madison called these groups factions. (believed they were caused by the unequal distribution of property) • Often utilize lobbyists to express their beliefs to the government.

  3. Types • Economic • Ideological Types (Single-issue) • Public Interest • Foreign Policy • Government • Others

  4. Economic • Corporations—big businesses have legitimate concerns over national and international policy, therefore they are very active in supporting candidates who support their issues (GM, Coca-cola) • Trade Associations—generally small businesses who align themselves for protection of all (Chamber of Commerce) • Labor—“unions” united workers whose interests range from standards to wage and conditions, only about 14% of Americans are unionized (AFL-CIO) • Professional—“white collared unions” some of the strongest and biggest supporters (NEA, AMA)

  5. Ideological • See politics as a way to pursue the issue (s) that are most important to them. • Usually very adamant about their position and are unwilling to compromise • Examples—ACLU, Christian Coalition, Environmentalists, NRA

  6. Public Interest • Claim they are promoting the interest of the public—what they want is good for everyone. • Safety concerns, consumer protection, environmental issues, good government • Example—Public Interest Research Groups, started by Nader • Tax-exempt public charities fit into this category. (American Heart Association)

  7. Foreign Policy • Organizations that promote or oppose certain foreign policies. • Some are focused on only one specific issue in the US foreign policy. • Examples—American Israeli Political Action Committee, National Association of Arab Americans

  8. Government Interest • Cities and states have their own lobbyist in Washington to ensure that their concerns and wishes are heard but the National Government. (National League of Cities)

  9. Others • Those who don’t really fit into any other category yet certainly lobby Washington to see that their interests are met. (VFW, nationality groups, Knights of Columbus)

  10. Determinates of Effectiveness • Size—more general equals more influence • Active—more important than size • Spread—concentration vs. spread • Resources—$, volunteers, reputation, expertise • Competitors & Alliances • Cohesiveness • Leadership • Techniques

  11. Publicity and Mass Media Mass Mailings Write Opinions to Congress Give Speeches Litigation Go to trial Amicus curiea briefs Election Activity Endorsements Form a Political Party Free Soil, Green Cooperative Lobbying Join for common cause Techniques Used

  12. Lobbyists • Name derives from mid-1800s when people would meet politicians in the lobby of the Capital or area hotels to express their concerns. • Today most are former government employees who work for an interest group (revolving door) • Have some influence on politicians but not as much as perceived • Politicians like them because their groups give money for reelection campaigns.

  13. Iron Triangle Lobbyists (Retired General) Congressional Committees (Armed Forces)

  14. Political Action Committees • The political arm of an interest group that can raise funds and contribute money to candidates. • Can only give $5000 to any candidate and were allowed unlimited donations to political parties (soft money) until 2002. Now limited to $15,000. • Host fund raisers and “bundle” money to give to candidates. • Incumbents receive the majority of these funds which helps them win reelection.

  15. FECA • Federal Election Campaign Act (1971) • Requires disclosure of receipts and expenditures of those involved in federal campaigns. • Partial public funding available to Presidential candidates • Spending is unlimited, contributions are limited • Result has been the growing number of PACs with more funding and more funding going to candidates

  16. Reflection Question Are interest groups, lobbyists, and PACs a threat to American democracy? Defend your stance.

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