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Interest Groups

Explore the world of interest groups, from Madison's Federalist #10 to lobbying tactics and the impact of money in Washington. Learn about the types, functions, and tactics of interest groups shaping policies and elections. Discover the top influential groups and their strategies for promoting agenda and mobilizing members. Dive into the dynamics of lobbying, revolving door practices, and the significant role of money in politics.

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Interest Groups

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  1. Interest Groups • Madison’s Federalist #10 and the “mischiefs of faction” • Pluralism

  2. Types of Interest Groups • Economic (Business, Professional, Labor) • Ideological/Single-issue • Public Interest/Research Groups (PIRGs) • Foreign policy • Government

  3. Interest Group Resources • Size • Unity • Organization • Activism & Mobilization • Money

  4. Washington’s Big 10 • Fortune’s list of most powerful groups: • NRA • AARP • Nat. Fed. Of Ind. Business • AIPAC • Assn. of Trial Lawyers • AFL-CIO • Chamber of Commerce • Nat. Beer Wholesalers Assn. • Nat. Assn. of Realtors • Nat. Assn. of Manufacturers

  5. Purposes & Functionsof Interest Groups • Promoting Agenda • Education of Public • Election of Favorable Candidates • Mobilizing Membership

  6. Interest Group Strategy • Shape policy to be consistent with group goals, while • Maintaining support within the group and avoiding the “free rider” (Mancur Olson, The Logic of Collective Action)

  7. Interest Group Tactics • Lobbying • Revolving door • Iron Triangles • Endorsements • PAC Contributions • Soft money vs. hard money • McCain-Feingold • 527s • Initiating Litigation • Amicus curiae

  8. Lobbying: A Big Business • In 1968, 62 lobbyists in D.C. • In 2005, 34,000 lobbyists in 4,755 firms • From 1998-2004, $13 billion spent on lobbying • The Revolving Door in Congress • Congressmen make ~$150k year; as lobbyists, former congressmen can count on $300k (after 1 year “cooling off” period) • 240 members of Congress have become lobbyists (40 for pharmaceuticals alone) • Currently 6 former members of Fed. Energy Regulatory Commission work for oil companies • China has spent $20 million in direct lobbying efforts since 1997

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