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Understanding Interest Groups and Lobbying in US Government

Learn about the role and impact of interest groups in US politics, including their functions, types, and strategies such as lobbying and campaign advocacy. Explore how different interest groups influence policies and elections.

rhiannon-hensley
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Understanding Interest Groups and Lobbying in US Government

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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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