ii. political culture

II. Political CultureII. Political Culture 11

II. Political CultureII. Political Culture


A. The Socialization of politics --A. The Socialization of politics --

The development of traditions, values and The development of traditions, values and ideologies of the American political animal.ideologies of the American political animal.

1. HOW is political socialization developed? 1. HOW is political socialization developed? a. Wte of tradition + customsa. Wte of tradition + customsb. Impact of eventsb. Impact of eventsc. Changes in the way of political elitesc. Changes in the way of political elitesd. familiesd. familiese. schoole. schoolf. relationships (as the paradigms shift)f. relationships (as the paradigms shift)


2. WHO establishes our political value 2. WHO establishes our political value system. . .Who sets the agenda? system. . .Who sets the agenda?

a. SIGSa. SIGS

b. Political institutionsb. Political institutions

c. Media “The New Parent” c. Media “The New Parent”

d. familyd. family

e. Social Econonic Stratification (SES) as one e. Social Econonic Stratification (SES) as one grows older.grows older.


3. Establishing political values. . .3. Establishing political values. . .a. Complete the charta. Complete the chartb. small group of 4 each. . .come to a consensus of top 3 and b. small group of 4 each. . .come to a consensus of top 3 and

bottom 3bottom 3c. Instructor writes on board all 14 titles and plots resultsc. Instructor writes on board all 14 titles and plots resultsd. discussiond. discussione. why?e. why?(1) ECONOMICS(1) ECONOMICS(2) FREEDOMS(2) FREEDOMS(3) CONSERVATIVE/LIBERAL IDEOLOGY(3) CONSERVATIVE/LIBERAL IDEOLOGY(4) Minority argument(4) Minority argument(5) Thesis statement:(5) Thesis statement:How are our political values established through out the How are our political values established through out the

constituency? constituency?


B.B. America’s Demographics America’s Demographics: Who are we?: Who are we?

1. Demographics1. Demographicsa. gendera. genderb. occupationb. occupationc. Racec. Raced. religiond. religione. SES - social class e. SES - social class 2. Census building - It will happen every 10 years.2. Census building - It will happen every 10 years.a. a “Nation of nations” JFK said. . . a. a “Nation of nations” JFK said. . . 1) First wave -- NW Europeans1) First wave -- NW Europeans2) 2nd wave - Eastern Europeans2) 2nd wave - Eastern Europeans3) 3rd Wave - 3) 3rd Wave - Hispanics + Asians + Asians4) 4) Minority/majority(T-17) is influencing the great melting pot. (T-17) is influencing the great melting pot.

by 2050 - Whites will be only 52% of society by 2050 - Whites will be only 52% of society At one time Blacks were the largest “reluctant” minority. At one time Blacks were the largest “reluctant” minority. Now w/ affirmative action, they are moving up.Now w/ affirmative action, they are moving up.


5) 5) Simpson/Mazzoli ActSimpson/Mazzoli Act requires employers to document the requires employers to document the citizenship of employees or face fines. citizenship of employees or face fines.

6) Asian influx has brought an educated elite into America. . .the 6) Asian influx has brought an educated elite into America. . .the typical downtrodden immigrant now is highly educatedtypical downtrodden immigrant now is highly educated

7) Even with gambling, Native Americans maintain a dismal 7) Even with gambling, Native Americans maintain a dismal ranking in acquiring the American dream. ranking in acquiring the American dream.

3. Demographics has also changed with the MOBILE3. Demographics has also changed with the MOBILEsociety. . . society. . . Frost Belt to Sun Belt: SW, SE and Texas dramatic SW, SE and Texas dramatic

population increases(20% growth rates) while North has 5% population increases(20% growth rates) while North has 5% growth -- Congress (T-18)growth -- Congress (T-18)

must keep up with - must keep up with - Reapportionment! shifting 435 Hse votesReapportionment! shifting 435 Hse votes4. GRAY POWER - Baby boomers graying rapidly + they wish 4. GRAY POWER - Baby boomers graying rapidly + they wish

to collect their $5 trillion in Social Security benefits! -- Their to collect their $5 trillion in Social Security benefits! -- Their SIGS possess clout - i,e, AARPSIGS possess clout - i,e, AARP


C.C. How do we know America is changing. . . How do we know America is changing. . .

POLLLLING- POLLLLING- 1.1. Early 1950’s George Gallup “Polled” a microcosm Early 1950’s George Gallup “Polled” a microcosm

of American political thoughtof American political thought - a Sample -- - a Sample -- a) the more “random” the better. . . everyone has a a) the more “random” the better. . . everyone has a

chance of being selected. . .chance of being selected. . .b) Biased sample- stated preferenceb) Biased sample- stated preferencec) representative sample . i.e. Democrats onlyc) representative sample . i.e. Democrats only2. Samples are not perfect -- sampling error2. Samples are not perfect -- sampling error1-5% error rate per 1,-000- 2,000 responses1-5% error rate per 1,-000- 2,000 responses3. random-digit dialing speeds up the process!3. random-digit dialing speeds up the process!


4. Polls assist politicians . . .4. Polls assist politicians . . .

a.a. in “detecting” public preferences. . .Are their in “detecting” public preferences. . .Are their shifts in thinking . . .creating possible shifts in thinking . . .creating possible “shifts” in “shifts” in policy making.

b.b. It has become the issue of selling policy It has become the issue of selling policy instead of possibly doing what’s right or instead of possibly doing what’s right or avoiding compromises to appease radical avoiding compromises to appease radical shifts!.

c.c. Politicians Politicians love them when they agree with them when they agree with them; they hate them when they disagree. them; they hate them when they disagree.


5. 5. BandwagonBandwagon effects. . .jump on board. . .instead of being effects. . .jump on board. . .instead of being prudentprudent

6. Elections too often tied to them. . .takes over issue 6. Elections too often tied to them. . .takes over issue development. development.

a.. a.. Exit poll Exit poll can control elections on election day. can control elections on election day. b. Straw polls check the pulse of a potential voter before b. Straw polls check the pulse of a potential voter before

election day, ie. the Florida debacle in the 2000 election day, ie. the Florida debacle in the 2000 election. Gore won Florida, and then lost Florida. . .and election. Gore won Florida, and then lost Florida. . .and then it was too close to call once the results were in. then it was too close to call once the results were in.

c. Push Poll . . .Late poll without rebuttal. . . . c. Push Poll . . .Late poll without rebuttal. . . . 7. The questions are the key. . .and too often they are 7. The questions are the key. . .and too often they are

misleading!misleading!


8. Polls can show8. Polls can show

a. relevancy, or salience of a topic + intensitya. relevancy, or salience of a topic + intensity

b. stabilityb. stability

c. direction. . .positive or c. direction. . .positive or negative


Putnam ThesisPutnam Thesis

““By virtually every conceivable measure, social By virtually every conceivable measure, social capital has eroded steadily. . . . (Putnam pg 24)capital has eroded steadily. . . . (Putnam pg 24)

Assess the validity of this statement by Assess the validity of this statement by explaining what social capital is; and explaining what social capital is; and providing three implications if it is truly providing three implications if it is truly becoming extinct. becoming extinct.


Putnam #2Putnam #2

a.a. Define social capital.Define social capital.

b.b. Does social capital have salutary Does social capital have salutary effects on individuals, or even entire effects on individuals, or even entire nations? Describe three factors that nations? Describe three factors that exist, or do not exist, when social exist, or do not exist, when social capital is working within a society.capital is working within a society.


Putnam answersPutnam answers

1.1. Define SC = Networking among people.Define SC = Networking among people.

2. Extinction – lack of reciprocity; loss of prvt 2. Extinction – lack of reciprocity; loss of prvt and public goods; more distrust; mutual and public goods; more distrust; mutual concerns.concerns.

3.Existence: collective PS; Trustworthy 3.Existence: collective PS; Trustworthy connections; Joiners become more tolerant; connections; Joiners become more tolerant; establishes personal connections. Better establishes personal connections. Better coping. . .We are in it together!coping. . .We are in it together!


D.D. What do Americans really believe? What do Americans really believe?1. Liberal v. Conservative1. Liberal v. Conservative ideology. Demographically, ideology. Demographically,

What Americans support?What Americans support?

Placement on spectrum based on:Placement on spectrum based on:

RADRAD Liberal Moderate Conserv Liberal Moderate Conserv ReactionaryReactionary

Big Gov’tBig Gov’t Gov’t sizeGov’t size Small (State) Small (State)

Progressive Change Status QuoProgressive Change Status Quo

Peace (UN) Intrnatl Diplo Isolat (Security)Peace (UN) Intrnatl Diplo Isolat (Security)

Gov’t controls Man Gov’t controls Man Evil (discipline) Evil (discipline)

FearFear Violence Violence ControlControl

JusticeJustice Liberties Liberties Literal InterpretationLiteral Interpretation


Flickr Pol SpectrumPol Spectrum

b. Liberal tendencies: 1, 2, 4,5,13,15,16,17, b. Liberal tendencies: 1, 2, 4,5,13,15,16,17, 22,23,25,26,27,30, 31,32,33,34,36,4022,23,25,26,27,30, 31,32,33,34,36,40

c. Conservative tendencies: c. Conservative tendencies: 3,6,7,8,10,11,12,14,17,18,20,21,24,28,29,35,37,3,6,7,8,10,11,12,14,17,18,20,21,24,28,29,35,37,

38,39 38,39

2. True Liberals2. True Liberals

a) Blue dogs - Conservative Democrats, Dixiecratsa) Blue dogs - Conservative Democrats, Dixiecrats

b) classic liberalsb) classic liberals

c) radical liberalsc) radical liberals


5. True Conservatives5. True Conservatives

a) moderates – RINOs - Rockefeller Republicans (i.e. a) moderates – RINOs - Rockefeller Republicans (i.e. Sam Jeffords) Sam Jeffords)

b) b) Social Far right

c) Economicc) Economic

6. A Moderate isn’t an ideology, just a way to look at 6. A Moderate isn’t an ideology, just a way to look at gov’t problems and solutions. gov’t problems and solutions.

7. Are Americans ideologues? Shifting in the winds? or 7. Are Americans ideologues? Shifting in the winds? or just smart political elites. . . just smart political elites. . .

Reagan era shift to the right. . .Clinton era shift to the Reagan era shift to the right. . .Clinton era shift to the left, then to left, then to the middle. . .Bush era -- . . .Bush era -- Right


8. The other ideologues8. The other ideologues

a)a) Socialism – Public ownership of means of production Socialism – Public ownership of means of production and exchange. A left wing perspective. Market and exchange. A left wing perspective. Market economy w/ gov’t involvement. . .Most European economy w/ gov’t involvement. . .Most European democracies use this approach. High taxes but democracies use this approach. High taxes but “Nat’l” benefits.“Nat’l” benefits.

b)b) Environmentalism – Grassroots democracy, social Environmentalism – Grassroots democracy, social justice, non-violence. In a post-materialistic world, justice, non-violence. In a post-materialistic world, many seek to replenish the environment before it many seek to replenish the environment before it wears out. The post-materialistic world. . . wears out. The post-materialistic world. . .

c)c) Libertarianism – Indiv liberty + sharply limited Libertarianism – Indiv liberty + sharply limited gov’t; isolationist; repeal all morality laws. “Get gov’t; isolationist; repeal all morality laws. “Get Gov’t out of your lives”. A Nevada favoriteGov’t out of your lives”. A Nevada favorite


Political compass testsPolitical compass tests

Let’s take a political ideology quiz to see if it Let’s take a political ideology quiz to see if it agrees with your worksheet. Sign on to:agrees with your worksheet. Sign on to:

http://www.politicalcompass.org/

Take the test and then place your ideology score Take the test and then place your ideology score on the board. on the board.


D.D. Political participation: The many forms-- Political participation: The many forms--

How:How:1.1. Voting. Only 50% vote in nat’l elections. Voters see a lack of Voting. Only 50% vote in nat’l elections. Voters see a lack of

political efficacypolitical efficacy. . .not being able to politically “effect” . . .not being able to politically “effect” society through the political process. Age matters. society through the political process. Age matters.

They have no influence. . . They have no influence. . . 2. Join SIGS2. Join SIGS3. Give $$$$ to SIGS thru PACS3. Give $$$$ to SIGS thru PACS4. Become a political elite4. Become a political elite5. Contacting gov’t officials on a regular basis5. Contacting gov’t officials on a regular basis6. Working on a campaign6. Working on a campaign7. civil disobedience7. civil disobedience8. Violence8. ViolenceWho: Those of higher SES participate more. . . and get more!Who: Those of higher SES participate more. . . and get more!


E. Mass Media:E. Mass Media:1. Goal . . .Make $$$$1. Goal . . .Make $$$$

2. How. . it sells advertising but people don’t 2. How. . it sells advertising but people don’t watch or read the ads unless the product is watch or read the ads unless the product is well-done!well-done!

3. Media functions:3. Media functions:

a. informa. inform b. guideb. guide

c. interpretc. interpret d. entertaind. entertain

Purpose . . .Deliver the “news”. . . Purpose . . .Deliver the “news”. . .

A timely, concise and Factual summation. A timely, concise and Factual summation.


4. History4. Historya)a) Political mouthpieces – 1700’s – 1870’s, a partisan Political mouthpieces – 1700’s – 1870’s, a partisan

press is diminished by Technology that drives them press is diminished by Technology that drives them away from political party support .away from political party support .

b) Yellow Journalism – Muckrakers 1870s-1900sb) Yellow Journalism – Muckrakers 1870s-1900s

c) 1900 NY Times turns to Objectivity. . . And descriptive c) 1900 NY Times turns to Objectivity. . . And descriptive reporting>>> Facts prevail. The attempt was to inform reporting>>> Facts prevail. The attempt was to inform a broad audiencea broad audience

d) Today interpretive reporting prevails where the media d) Today interpretive reporting prevails where the media attempts to analyze + explain. It’s a skeptical attempts to analyze + explain. It’s a skeptical approach. . . Because politicians also attempt to approach. . . Because politicians also attempt to control the mediums in delivering their message.control the mediums in delivering their message.

It’s also narrowcasting vs. BroadcastingIt’s also narrowcasting vs. Broadcasting


e. Propaganda e. Propaganda

1)1) Definition - a persuasive attempt to control Definition - a persuasive attempt to control the info machine. The use or abuse of the the info machine. The use or abuse of the truth. . . Also called misinformation. . . Or truth. . . Also called misinformation. . . Or disinformation . . . (Reagan) disinformation . . . (Reagan)

2) How do the major players control the flow of 2) How do the major players control the flow of info . . .and its interpretation of information? info . . .and its interpretation of information?


3) Propaganda components3) Propaganda components

a)a) Source – the disseminatorSource – the disseminator

b)b) Message – what is being deliveredMessage – what is being delivered

c)c) Receiver – a “specific target” audienceReceiver – a “specific target” audience

d)d) Delivery systems. . .print. . .electronicDelivery systems. . .print. . .electronic

. . . Those are obvious. . .its the subtle systems . . . Those are obvious. . .its the subtle systems many worry about because one uses many worry about because one uses psychological factors. . .the attempt to psychological factors. . .the attempt to influence the minds of men. . .influence the minds of men. . .


4) Propaganda Techniques4) Propaganda Techniques

a)a) Word GamesWord Games1) Glittering Generalities – Using + abusing the 1) Glittering Generalities – Using + abusing the

very ideas citizens of a democracy value the very ideas citizens of a democracy value the most. . .liberty, mom, love, patriotism, most. . .liberty, mom, love, patriotism, financial security. . .for the Prop sources’ financial security. . .for the Prop sources’ purpose. . .”We must preserve democracy by purpose. . .”We must preserve democracy by taking away all civil liberties. . .We must taking away all civil liberties. . .We must liberate this village by destroying it. . .” liberate this village by destroying it. . .”


2) Name Calling2) Name Calling

a)a) Labeling. . .Bad works better than good. Labeling. . .Bad works better than good.

Rebel. . .terrorists. . .radical. . .liberal. . .Yuppie. Rebel. . .terrorists. . .radical. . .liberal. . .Yuppie. . .Queer. . . Hooking it with a bad symbol . .Queer. . . Hooking it with a bad symbol instead of looking at the evidence. . .instead of looking at the evidence. . .


3) Euphemisms3) Euphemisms

a)a) An attempt to pacify the audience by An attempt to pacify the audience by hooking the unpleasant with something more hooking the unpleasant with something more palatable or acceptable.palatable or acceptable.

1)) It isn’t shell shock. . .it is combat fatigue1)) It isn’t shell shock. . .it is combat fatigue

2)) It isn’t a casualty. . .it’s collateral damage2)) It isn’t a casualty. . .it’s collateral damage

3) It isn’t murder. . .it’s being eliminated. 3) It isn’t murder. . .it’s being eliminated.


4b) False connections4b) False connections

1)1) Transfer – Use respected symbols and attach Transfer – Use respected symbols and attach them to your message. . .Wear that flag. . .them to your message. . .Wear that flag. . .

2)2) Testimonial. . .Endorsements by celebrities Testimonial. . .Endorsements by celebrities but are they qualified to make those but are they qualified to make those endorsements? Does Tom Cruise really endorsements? Does Tom Cruise really understand psychiatry? understand psychiatry?


4c) Special appeals4c) Special appeals

1)1) Plain Folks – We are “of” the people. . .Plain Folks – We are “of” the people. . .We must rid politics of special interests. . .We must rid politics of special interests. . .But didn’t Madison tell us to join a group because But didn’t Madison tell us to join a group because

groups impact politics more than one idea. . .? Can groups impact politics more than one idea. . .? Can Millionaires really identify with the middle class? Millionaires really identify with the middle class?

2) Bandwagon – “Everyone is doing it.” Unite us as 2) Bandwagon – “Everyone is doing it.” Unite us as ONE. . .ONE. . .

3) Fear > Accidents encourage us to wear seat belts! 3) Fear > Accidents encourage us to wear seat belts! Fear appeal >> fear reducing behaviorFear appeal >> fear reducing behavior


4d) Logical fallacies4d) Logical fallacies

1)1) Common Logic fallacy Common Logic fallacy 1= a number1= a number2= a number2= a number1 = 2 ???1 = 2 ???I .e. all mothers are female. . all females are Mothers. . . ? I .e. all mothers are female. . all females are Mothers. . . ?

NopeNope2) Extrapolation- Inflate the data. . .2) Extrapolation- Inflate the data. . .Approve NAFTA and thousands of jobs will go south. . . Approve NAFTA and thousands of jobs will go south. . .

Gun control will only leave weapons to the criminals. Gun control will only leave weapons to the criminals. . .. .


5. Political Cartooning5. Political Cartooning

5. One of the more effective displays of 5. One of the more effective displays of delivering political advice is the political delivering political advice is the political cartoon.cartoon.

a. Symbols. . . send a message for the recipient a. Symbols. . . send a message for the recipient to interpret. It’s a blend of humor, creativity, to interpret. It’s a blend of humor, creativity, artistic design, newsy events, and propaganda. artistic design, newsy events, and propaganda.


b. What gives political cartoonists the right to put b. What gives political cartoonists the right to put a subjective “spin” on the news? a subjective “spin” on the news?

6. Fourth Estate (Mass Media) -- 1st amendment 6. Fourth Estate (Mass Media) -- 1st amendment provides the incentive to report the “News” provides the incentive to report the “News” which is . . . . which is . . . .

a timely occurence that “informs the public”. a timely occurence that “informs the public”.

44thth Estate Estate

11stst estate estate 22ndnd estate estate 33rdrd estate estate

Prv’t sectorPrv’t sector Public sectorPublic sector Gov’t sectorGov’t sector

7. Media Roles7. Media Rolesa)a) Signaler: Alert the public. “Late breakingSignaler: Alert the public. “Late breakingNews. . . “sets the agenda. . .”News. . . “sets the agenda. . .”b) Common Carrier-Gives politician a channel to b) Common Carrier-Gives politician a channel to

communicate w/ the public. . .Let’s call a communicate w/ the public. . .Let’s call a press conference. . .”+ create a sound bite.press conference. . .”+ create a sound bite.

c. Watch dog: Expose wrongdoings of any estate.c. Watch dog: Expose wrongdoings of any estate.d. Public rep- Speaking for the masses w/o being d. Public rep- Speaking for the masses w/o being

accountable or responsibleaccountable or responsible



8. That timely occurence often becomes a “Media 8. That timely occurence often becomes a “Media Event or creates a Event or creates a Media Frenzy.Media Frenzy. Get your Get your name or picture in print or on the tube! Either name or picture in print or on the tube! Either through “news” events or paid advertising! through “news” events or paid advertising!

Often Pols “make” news to get on the news.Often Pols “make” news to get on the news.

9. To combat an aggressive media, politicians 9. To combat an aggressive media, politicians have hired“Spin Masters”, those hired have hired“Spin Masters”, those hired specifically to promote the image of the specifically to promote the image of the candidate! candidate!


10. President Reagan’s media advice:10. President Reagan’s media advice:

a.a. Plan ahead. . .b. offensive approach. . .Plan ahead. . .b. offensive approach. . .

c. control the flow. . .d. limit reporter access. . .e. c. control the flow. . .d. limit reporter access. . .e. discuss only your agenda. . .f. speak in one discuss only your agenda. . .f. speak in one voicevoice

As presidents attempted to control the flow of As presidents attempted to control the flow of information. this forced reporters to go on information. this forced reporters to go on the offensive. i.e. Vietnam and Watergate era the offensive. i.e. Vietnam and Watergate era forced presidents to live in the shadow of a forced presidents to live in the shadow of a distrusting public. distrusting public.


11. And Competition in the medias has forced the 11. And Competition in the medias has forced the media to be much more aggressive and “bend” media to be much more aggressive and “bend” the journalistic rules of using reliable sources, the journalistic rules of using reliable sources, the the “sound bite” and great images! “sound bite” and great images!

a. primary sources v.a. primary sources v.b. secondary sources. . . “undisclosed sources b. secondary sources. . . “undisclosed sources

claim” . . . claim” . . . 12. Narrowcasting (focus on specific news or 12. Narrowcasting (focus on specific news or

issues 24 hours a day) may fulfill political issues 24 hours a day) may fulfill political junkies or spin issues out of control. junkies or spin issues out of control.


13. Politicians can manipulate the press. 13. Politicians can manipulate the press.

a. By sending up a. By sending up trial balloonstrial balloons to see how the public to see how the public will react to certain issues. Then back off if the will react to certain issues. Then back off if the response is negative. response is negative.

b. Both the political elites and the medias dance to get b. Both the political elites and the medias dance to get the upper hand. . .and both seek the advantage in the upper hand. . .and both seek the advantage in dispensing their agenda. . .dispensing their agenda. . .

c. The Press’ wishes to inform the masses. . . vs. the c. The Press’ wishes to inform the masses. . . vs. the politicians’ attempt to put it in a good light. politicians’ attempt to put it in a good light.

d. Politicians also use negative ads v. opponents.d. Politicians also use negative ads v. opponents.


14. TV has changed the playing field with “drama” 14. TV has changed the playing field with “drama” footage. . . and sensationalism. It’s competitive!footage. . . and sensationalism. It’s competitive!

15. Undoubtedly, “coverage” impacts public opinion!15. Undoubtedly, “coverage” impacts public opinion!

a. President George Bush Sr criticized the media for its a. President George Bush Sr criticized the media for its perception of a weak econ in 1992, thereby forcing perception of a weak econ in 1992, thereby forcing his election loss. . .and Al Gore blamed the press for his election loss. . .and Al Gore blamed the press for tying him to the Clinton debacle. . .tying him to the Clinton debacle. . .

16. But the media gives the public a voice in politics as 16. But the media gives the public a voice in politics as it maintains its watch dog function. It’s still the 4it maintains its watch dog function. It’s still the 4 thth Estate and Americans devour info in any Estate and Americans devour info in any format. . .print to the electronic!format. . .print to the electronic!


17. Who “owns” the media?17. Who “owns” the media?The quest for $$$$The quest for $$$$

a) Mega mergers have made six (7 if Comcast a) Mega mergers have made six (7 if Comcast goes through) media giants.goes through) media giants.


18. Bloggers. . .the news 18. Bloggers. . .the news undergroundunderground

a. Anybody can become a journalist by keeping a a. Anybody can become a journalist by keeping a “journal” on line. . .Are they providing legitimate “journal” on line. . .Are they providing legitimate information or just ideologues spouting off. Also information or just ideologues spouting off. Also called free lancers or free agents. . .called free lancers or free agents. . .

1) Some have become more creditable by out working 1) Some have become more creditable by out working the “real” press. i.e. CBS + Dan Rather’s under the “real” press. i.e. CBS + Dan Rather’s under reporting of George W’s Military careerreporting of George W’s Military career

2) Many are tied to SIGS. 2) Many are tied to SIGS. 19. In conclusion. . .even though media and Info 19. In conclusion. . .even though media and Info

sources abound. . .America, surprisingly does well, sources abound. . .America, surprisingly does well, even though it is relatively uninformed. . even though it is relatively uninformed. .

““Paradox of the masses” .The Jay Leno phenomParadox of the masses” .The Jay Leno phenom

19. Why many don’t like the media

a. Not objective. . .too much subjective reporting.

b. Too many Hot flashes. . .not enough substance. . .”E” focus. . . Sound bite driven

c. $$$$$ driven, not news driven.d. Not accountable or responsible for their

stories; especially bloggers.e. Attempt to control politics w/ polling and

horse race mentality.


F.F. Amassing public support Amassing public support

1. Special Interest groups (SIGS). . .a modern 1. Special Interest groups (SIGS). . .a modern day version of Madison’s factions. . . day version of Madison’s factions. . .

a.a. Sharing a cause for the purpose of Sharing a cause for the purpose of “influencing”“influencing” the gov’t at all levels, all the gov’t at all levels, all branches. No gov’t stone shall be left branches. No gov’t stone shall be left unturned! unturned!

b.b. Political parties goals are to “make” policy. . Political parties goals are to “make” policy. . . SIGS are Pluralists venting vs. the elites of . SIGS are Pluralists venting vs. the elites of society, or are they hyperpluralists? society, or are they hyperpluralists?


2. Madison + SIGS #102. Madison + SIGS #10

a.a. It is an inherent right to join groups!It is an inherent right to join groups!b.b. Gov’t, w/ C + B’s + Sep of Pwrs will be able Gov’t, w/ C + B’s + Sep of Pwrs will be able

to control Factions. . .or will it?to control Factions. . .or will it?c.c. The Dilemma:The Dilemma:Gov’t has too many accesses for SIGS? Gov’t has too many accesses for SIGS? Find an ally and the benefits will flow. . .Find an ally and the benefits will flow. . .Therefore SIGS can dominate a gov’t. . .bringing Therefore SIGS can dominate a gov’t. . .bringing

tension between equality + liberty. Will only tension between equality + liberty. Will only a few prevail? a few prevail?


2. characteristics2. characteristicsa.a. Membership Membership

b. financial resourcesb. financial resources

c. leadershipc. leadership

d. organizational structure d. organizational structure

e. benefits: e. benefits:

1)1) Prvt goods – Union’s closed shopPrvt goods – Union’s closed shop

2)2) Material incentive. . .Madison discussed property. . .Material incentive. . .Madison discussed property. . .

3)3) Purposive incentive – Doing it to save mankindPurposive incentive – Doing it to save mankind

4)4) Collective goods – shared. . .clean airCollective goods – shared. . .clean air


3. Types of Sigs3. Types of Sigs

a. business + industry b. trade assn’sa. business + industry b. trade assn’s

c. organized labor d. agriculture e. professionalc. organized labor d. agriculture e. professional

f. public interest g. gov’t h. cultural, f. public interest g. gov’t h. cultural, religious,ethnicreligious,ethnic

i. equality interesti. equality interest


4. Influential strategies:4. Influential strategies:a. Provide data to Gov’t + agencies. Policy a. Provide data to Gov’t + agencies. Policy

specialists ( Pol parties are party generalists)specialists ( Pol parties are party generalists)b. draft legislation via the Iron Triangle network b. draft legislation via the Iron Triangle network

of of SIGSSIGSGov’t agenciesGov’t agencies

Congressional subcommitteesCongressional subcommitteesc. lawsuits (amicus curiae, Friend of the court)c. lawsuits (amicus curiae, Friend of the court)class action court cases. class action court cases.


d. Education – Attend d. Education – Attend issue networkissue network forums, an ad hoc forums, an ad hoc collection of SIGS, media, Business + Gov’t to collection of SIGS, media, Business + Gov’t to discuss the issues. discuss the issues.

e. Watchdogs of gov’t. . . e. Watchdogs of gov’t. . . f. Lobbyists- “hired guns or political persuaders, whose f. Lobbyists- “hired guns or political persuaders, whose

job is to promote the SIGS interests via. . .pressure job is to promote the SIGS interests via. . .pressure (garnering votes, +$$$$, idealists.)(garnering votes, +$$$$, idealists.)

1)1) Inside-contacts w/ elites, giving info,forming Inside-contacts w/ elites, giving info,forming coalitions.coalitions.

2)2) Outside- Letter writing, seeking media time, Outside- Letter writing, seeking media time, election campaigns, PAC $$$, targeting key election campaigns, PAC $$$, targeting key sources. sources.


5. SUCCESSFUL SIGS:5. SUCCESSFUL SIGS:a. size of the group . . .a. size of the group . . .(1)(1) is it a “potential group”--- a mixture (consumers) of is it a “potential group”--- a mixture (consumers) of

many who “could” belong,many who “could” belong,(2)(2) vs.an “actual group” of hard core (NRA) followers. vs.an “actual group” of hard core (NRA) followers. (3)(3) Potential groups (or large groups) suffer from “Potential groups (or large groups) suffer from “free-free-

rider statusrider status”. i.e. all minimum wage earners benefit ”. i.e. all minimum wage earners benefit from minimum wage increases. . .so why work from minimum wage increases. . .so why work toward it. . .toward it. . .

(4)(4) BUT actual groups reap their own benefits and work BUT actual groups reap their own benefits and work harder! One can make potential groups more harder! One can make potential groups more powerful by providing “selective benefits”. ie. powerful by providing “selective benefits”. ie. AARPAARP

b. Intensity - Single issue groups - NRA, NOW, Gun b. Intensity - Single issue groups - NRA, NOW, Gun Control, abortion.Control, abortion.


c. $$$$ - As of 1974, corporations and Unions can not c. $$$$ - As of 1974, corporations and Unions can not directly fund political campaigns. . .BUT Political directly fund political campaigns. . .BUT Political Action Committees (PACS) , the political arm of Action Committees (PACS) , the political arm of SIGS, can fund candidates’ campaigns. Over 3,800 SIGS, can fund candidates’ campaigns. Over 3,800 today from 600 in 1974. today from 600 in 1974. This gains access to Politicians. Ie Enron. 40% of This gains access to Politicians. Ie Enron. 40% of PACS belong to Business groups. PACS belong to Business groups.

(1) gave $134 million to incumbents in 99-2000 House (1) gave $134 million to incumbents in 99-2000 House election, only $17 million to the challengers. This is election, only $17 million to the challengers. This is an Investment into the future and incumbents win an Investment into the future and incumbents win almost 90%.almost 90%.

(a) 1974 Campaign law -- $10,000 per candidate (a) 1974 Campaign law -- $10,000 per candidate (primary + gen election) But that is for nat’l (primary + gen election) But that is for nat’l campaigns only. . .campaigns only. . .


Buckley v. Valeo extended $$$ to “indirect”Buckley v. Valeo extended $$$ to “indirect”financing (TV ads) financing (TV ads) (b). Soft Money - 1980 - Can “earmark” funds to a (b). Soft Money - 1980 - Can “earmark” funds to a

political party, unlimited contributions. . . $400 political party, unlimited contributions. . . $400 million allocated in 2000 election to Dems + million allocated in 2000 election to Dems + Republicans.Republicans.today soft money is illegal – McCain-Feinholz today soft money is illegal – McCain-Feinholz campaign finance law. But states control their own campaign finance law. But states control their own PAC contributions. PAC contributions.

d. Going Public. . .reaching out to influence public d. Going Public. . .reaching out to influence public opinion. . Ads sell! a great form of propaganda!opinion. . Ads sell! a great form of propaganda!

i.e. NRA and Charles Heston. . .i.e. NRA and Charles Heston. . .


6. Interest groups are becoming more diverse. . .6. Interest groups are becoming more diverse. . .

from 6,000 to 23,000+ 9 (see chart) . . .and 90% from 6,000 to 23,000+ 9 (see chart) . . .and 90% reside in Washington D.C. reside in Washington D.C.

7. Interest group participation is culmination of 7. Interest group participation is culmination of political participatory activities. political participatory activities.

(Issue network demo)(Issue network demo)

ii. political culture

Documents

political cultureii

political values

political socialization

political institutionsc

american political animal

political value system

way of political elitesd

american dream