Interest GroupsInterest Groups

I. The Role and Reputation of Interest GroupsI. The Role and Reputation of Interest Groups

1. Voter turnout since 1960= big decline, but participation in 1. Voter turnout since 1960= big decline, but participation in interest groups has mushroomedinterest groups has mushroomed

2. The Freedom to Organize= is fundamental to democratic 2. The Freedom to Organize= is fundamental to democratic governmentgovernment

3. Interest groups are not political partiesa. An interest group= an organization of people with similar policy goals that tries to influence the political process to achieve these goalsb. Interest groups will try influence every branch and level of government to accomplish its goals

c. This multiplicity of policy areas helps distinguish c. This multiplicity of policy areas helps distinguish interest groups from political partiesinterest groups from political parties

d. Interest groups may support candidates for office, d. Interest groups may support candidates for office, but they do not run their own slate of candidatesbut they do not run their own slate of candidates

e. Interest groups= policy e. Interest groups= policy specialistsspecialists

Political parties= policy Political parties= policy generalistsgeneralists

f. Unlike political parties- interest groups do not f. Unlike political parties- interest groups do not have to worry about appealing to everyonehave to worry about appealing to everyone

4. Interest groups and bad press-why?4. Interest groups and bad press-why?(Crucial to democratic government, but lots of criticism)(Crucial to democratic government, but lots of criticism)

a. Very negative image- Madison’s a. Very negative image- Madison’s Federalist #10Federalist #10

b. lobbying- both dishonest (but also honest) b. lobbying- both dishonest (but also honest) lobbying= major problems for democracylobbying= major problems for democracy

II. The Theories of Interest Groups PoliticsII. The Theories of Interest Groups Politics

1. The Pluralist Theory- argues that interest group 1. The Pluralist Theory- argues that interest group activity brings representation to all- the many activity brings representation to all- the many groups compete and counter balance one anothergroups compete and counter balance one another

2. Elite Theory- argues that a few groups (mostly the 2. Elite Theory- argues that a few groups (mostly the wealthy) have most of the powerwealthy) have most of the power

3. Hyperpluralist Theory- assumes that too many groups 3. Hyperpluralist Theory- assumes that too many groups are getting too much of what they want, resulting in are getting too much of what they want, resulting in a governmental policy that is often contradictory a governmental policy that is often contradictory and lacks in direction.and lacks in direction.

A. Pluralism and Group TheoryA. Pluralism and Group Theory

i. Pluralist theory – the extensive organization of i. Pluralist theory – the extensive organization of competing groups is seen as evidence that influence competing groups is seen as evidence that influence is widely dispersed among many groups- is widely dispersed among many groups- groups groups win some and lose some, but no group wins or loses win some and lose some, but no group wins or loses all of the timeall of the time

ii. A group theory of politics contains some ii. A group theory of politics contains some essential arguments.essential arguments.

• Groups = a key link between people and the governmentGroups = a key link between people and the government• Groups compete, and interests constantly make claims to one Groups compete, and interests constantly make claims to one

another.another.

• No one group is likely to become too dominant. If one No one group is likely to become too dominant. If one group grows too powerful, the other groups are likely to group grows too powerful, the other groups are likely to intensify their efforts and restore the balance of the intensify their efforts and restore the balance of the systemsystem

• Groups usually play by the rules of the game- few lie, Groups usually play by the rules of the game- few lie, steal, cheat, engage in violencesteal, cheat, engage in violence

• Groups weak in one resource will use anotherGroups weak in one resource will use another

iii. Pluralists do not deny that some groups are iii. Pluralists do not deny that some groups are stronger than others. stronger than others.

• or that competing interests do not always get an equal or that competing interests do not always get an equal hearinghearing

• But they do argue that lobbying is open to all and But they do argue that lobbying is open to all and should not be regarded as a problemshould not be regarded as a problem

B. Elites and the denial of pluralismB. Elites and the denial of pluralismi. Elite theorists maintain that i. Elite theorists maintain that real power is held by a real power is held by a relatively few people, key groups, and institutions– relatively few people, key groups, and institutions– i.e.- i.e.- government = run by only a few big interests government = run by only a few big interests only looking out for themselvesonly looking out for themselvesii. Elites point to ii. Elites point to interlocking interlocking and and concentrated concentrated power power centers- about 1/3 of top institutional positions are centers- about 1/3 of top institutional positions are occupied by people who hold more than one such occupied by people who hold more than one such positionpositioniii. The numerous groups prove nothing- because they iii. The numerous groups prove nothing- because they are are extremely unequal in powerextremely unequal in power

* Example when consumer interests confront the power * Example when consumer interests confront the power of multinational corporations- consumer interest of multinational corporations- consumer interest groups are easily pushed asidegroups are easily pushed aside

iv. Honest lobbying is a problem because it benefits iv. Honest lobbying is a problem because it benefits the few at the expense of the manythe few at the expense of the many

C. Hyperpluralism and interest group liberalismC. Hyperpluralism and interest group liberalismi. Hyperpluralists essential argument= the pluralist i. Hyperpluralists essential argument= the pluralist system is out of controlsystem is out of controlii. Theodore Lowi coined the phrase ii. Theodore Lowi coined the phrase interest group interest group liberalismliberalism- to refer to the government’s excessive - to refer to the government’s excessive deference to groupsdeference to groupsiii. Interest group liberalism= holds that virtually all iii. Interest group liberalism= holds that virtually all pressure group demands are legitimate and that the pressure group demands are legitimate and that the job of the government is too advance them all.job of the government is too advance them all.iv. In an effort to appease every interest- iv. In an effort to appease every interest- government agencies grow, conflicting regulations government agencies grow, conflicting regulations expand, programs multiply= the budget sky rocketsexpand, programs multiply= the budget sky rockets

D. Interest group liberalism is promoted by the D. Interest group liberalism is promoted by the network of network of sub-governments sub-governments (also known as (also known as iron triangles)iron triangles)- these sub-governments are - these sub-governments are composed of composed of • Key interest groups interested in particular policyKey interest groups interested in particular policy• The government agency in charge of administering The government agency in charge of administering

the policythe policy• The members of the Congressional committees and The members of the Congressional committees and

sub-committees handling the policysub-committees handling the policy

E. Relations between the government and groups E. Relations between the government and groups can become too cozycan become too cozy• Hard choices about national policy are rarely madeHard choices about national policy are rarely made• Because the government is trying to favor all groups= Because the government is trying to favor all groups=

eventual eventual policy paralysis- policy paralysis- perfect example= the perfect example= the government’s contradictory tobacco related policiesgovernment’s contradictory tobacco related policies

F. The recent explosion of interest groups has F. The recent explosion of interest groups has caused some to see a weakening of the power of caused some to see a weakening of the power of subgovernments- so many interest groups, subgovernments- so many interest groups, competing against one another= hard for the competing against one another= hard for the government to have a cozy relationship with all government to have a cozy relationship with all of themof them

III. What makes an interest group successful?III. What makes an interest group successful?• The size of the groupThe size of the group• The intensityThe intensity• Financial resourcesFinancial resources

1. The Size of the group1. The Size of the group

a. Really large groups can be surprisingly ineffectivea. Really large groups can be surprisingly ineffective

b. A b. A potential grouppotential group- is composed of all people who - is composed of all people who might be group members because they show common might be group members because they show common interestinterest

c. An c. An actual group- actual group- those in a potential group who those in a potential group who choose to join. Groups vary enormously in the degree choose to join. Groups vary enormously in the degree to which they enroll their potential membershipto which they enroll their potential membership

d. A d. A collective good collective good is something of value (such as is something of value (such as clear air or a higher min. wage) that cannot be clear air or a higher min. wage) that cannot be withheld from a potential group member. Members withheld from a potential group member. Members of the potential group share in the benefits that of the potential group share in the benefits that members of the actual group work to securemembers of the actual group work to secure• Economist Mancur Olson- points out that all groups- as Economist Mancur Olson- points out that all groups- as

opposed to individuals- provide collective goods. The opposed to individuals- provide collective goods. The free free rider rider problem occurs when potential members decide not problem occurs when potential members decide not to join, but to sit back and let others do the work (while to join, but to sit back and let others do the work (while they nevertheless benefit)they nevertheless benefit)

• According to Olson- the bigger the group= the more According to Olson- the bigger the group= the more serious the free rider problemserious the free rider problem

e.- Easier to organize a small group with clear economic e.- Easier to organize a small group with clear economic goals than it is to organize a large group with broader goals than it is to organize a large group with broader goals.goals.

f.- Small groups have an organizational advantage over f.- Small groups have an organizational advantage over large ones because a member’s share of the collective large ones because a member’s share of the collective good in a small group may be great enough for he or good in a small group may be great enough for he or she to try to secure it- in a big group- members can she to try to secure it- in a big group- members can only expect to get a smaller share= not as likely to only expect to get a smaller share= not as likely to workwork• Smaller interest groups are also better of financially for the Smaller interest groups are also better of financially for the

same reasonssame reasons• The primary way for large potential groups to overcome The primary way for large potential groups to overcome

Olson’s law= provide Olson’s law= provide selective benefitsselective benefits- goods that a - goods that a group can restrict to those who pay their yearly duesgroup can restrict to those who pay their yearly dues

2. Intensity2. Intensitya. One way a large potential group may be a. One way a large potential group may be mobilized is through an issue that people feel mobilized is through an issue that people feel intensely aboutintensely aboutb. Small and large groups benefit when intensity is b. Small and large groups benefit when intensity is involved- politicians are more likely to listen when involved- politicians are more likely to listen when a group shows that it cares deeply about an issue- a group shows that it cares deeply about an issue- and many votes may be lost or gained over this and many votes may be lost or gained over this issueissuec. Usually c. Usually single-issue groupssingle-issue groups- have narrow - have narrow interests, dislike compromise, and single-mindedly interests, dislike compromise, and single-mindedly pursues its goal- usually deal with strong emotional pursues its goal- usually deal with strong emotional issues- gun control, abortionissues- gun control, abortiond. Most emotional issue of recent years= abortion- d. Most emotional issue of recent years= abortion- no matter what side politicians take= feel heat from no matter what side politicians take= feel heat from itit

3. Financial Resources3. Financial Resourcesa. Critics charge that PAC’s distort thisa. Critics charge that PAC’s distort this

IV. The Interest Group Explosion- why has the number IV. The Interest Group Explosion- why has the number of them grown so much?of them grown so much?

1. Sophisticated technology- such as computerized 1. Sophisticated technology- such as computerized mailing listsmailing listsa. Over 90% of groups have their headquarters in a. Over 90% of groups have their headquarters in Washington D.C.Washington D.C.b. There are a large number of highly specialized b. There are a large number of highly specialized and seemingly trivial groupsand seemingly trivial groupsc. Almost all have staff and publicationsc. Almost all have staff and publications

2. The interests of many= economic2. The interests of many= economica. 80% originated from occupational, industrial, a. 80% originated from occupational, industrial, professional membershipsprofessional memberships

V. How Groups Shape PolicyV. How Groups Shape Policy• 3 traditional strategies:3 traditional strategies:• LobbyingLobbying• ElectioneeringElectioneering• LitigationLitigation• Also recently- going public to try to achieve widespread Also recently- going public to try to achieve widespread

supportsupport

1. Lobbying1. Lobbyinga. lobbyists= political persuaders who are the a. lobbyists= political persuaders who are the representatives of organized interest groups. representatives of organized interest groups.

b. 2 types of lobbyistsb. 2 types of lobbyists• Regular, paid employees of an interest groupRegular, paid employees of an interest group• Lobbyists for hire on a temporary basisLobbyists for hire on a temporary basis

c. Primary goal of lobbyists= to try to influence c. Primary goal of lobbyists= to try to influence members of Congress, but they can also help them??members of Congress, but they can also help them??• Important sources of information- lobbyist can confine Important sources of information- lobbyist can confine

themselves to one policy area= able to provide specialized themselves to one policy area= able to provide specialized expertiseexpertise

• Can act as free consultants- provide political strategyCan act as free consultants- provide political strategy• They can formulate campaign strategy and get the group’s They can formulate campaign strategy and get the group’s

members behind a politician’s re-electionmembers behind a politician’s re-election• They are a source of ideas and innovationsThey are a source of ideas and innovations

d. Political scientists cannot agree about the d. Political scientists cannot agree about the effectiveness of lobbyingeffectiveness of lobbying• Lots of evidence shows that the power of lobbyists is Lots of evidence shows that the power of lobbyists is

exaggeratedexaggerated

• Plenty of other evidence shows the opposite- lobbying can Plenty of other evidence shows the opposite- lobbying can persuade legislators to support a certain policypersuade legislators to support a certain policy

• It is difficult to evaluate- because other interest groups tactics are It is difficult to evaluate- because other interest groups tactics are going on at the same timegoing on at the same time

2. Electioneering2. Electioneering

a. Getting the right people in office and keeping a. Getting the right people in office and keeping them there= a key interest group strategythem there= a key interest group strategy

b. electioneering= aiding candidates financially and b. electioneering= aiding candidates financially and getting their members to support themgetting their members to support them

c. Political Action Committees- have provided a c. Political Action Committees- have provided a way for groups to participate in electioneering more way for groups to participate in electioneering more than ever beforethan ever before

• recently- more than ½ of candidates running for re-election recently- more than ½ of candidates running for re-election to the House of Reps.- got most of their campaign $ from to the House of Reps.- got most of their campaign $ from PAC’sPAC’s

• Almost all PAC money goes to incumbents- why?Almost all PAC money goes to incumbents- why?• They are the most likely a return to the PAC’s investmentThey are the most likely a return to the PAC’s investment

3. Litigation 3. Litigation a. Commonly used if an interest group fails with a. Commonly used if an interest group fails with CongressCongress* Environmental legislation- such as the Clean * Environmental legislation- such as the Clean Air Act- typically includes provisions allowing Air Act- typically includes provisions allowing citizens to sue for enforcement-the constant citizens to sue for enforcement-the constant threat of lawsuit increases the chances that threat of lawsuit increases the chances that businesses will follow environmental regulationsbusinesses will follow environmental regulations

• Most famous examples= the Civil Rights MovementMost famous examples= the Civil Rights Movement• Consumer groups have used suits against businesses and Consumer groups have used suits against businesses and

federal agencies as a means of enforcing consumer federal agencies as a means of enforcing consumer regulationsregulations

b. Tactics and strategiesb. Tactics and strategies• Lawyers often make the views of interest groups known in Lawyers often make the views of interest groups known in

amicus curiae amicus curiae briefs briefs • More direct method= filing of class action lawsuits- which More direct method= filing of class action lawsuits- which

enables a group of similarly situated plaintiffs to combine enables a group of similarly situated plaintiffs to combine similar grievances in one suitsimilar grievances in one suit

4. Going public4. Going publica. Many interest groups find having a good image a. Many interest groups find having a good image important- use public relations firms to present important- use public relations firms to present themselves in a favorable lightthemselves in a favorable light

VI. Types of Interest GroupsVI. Types of Interest Groups

* 4 main types of interest groups-* 4 main types of interest groups-• Economic issuesEconomic issues• Environmental issuesEnvironmental issues• Equality issuesEquality issues• Consumer interestsConsumer interests

1. Economic groups1. Economic groups

a. All have something to do with a. All have something to do with concerns over wages, prices, profitsconcerns over wages, prices, profits

b. In the U.S. economy, government b. In the U.S. economy, government does not directly determine these does not directly determine these factorsfactors

c. The government can effect them through regulations, c. The government can effect them through regulations, tax advantages/breaks, subsidies and contracts, and tax advantages/breaks, subsidies and contracts, and international trade policyinternational trade policy

d. Labor d. Labor • More affiliated members than any other interest group More affiliated members than any other interest group

except the AARPexcept the AARP• The AFL-CIO= a union of unionsThe AFL-CIO= a union of unions• Unions have fought hard to establish the Unions have fought hard to establish the union shopunion shop- -

requires new employees to join the union representing requires new employees to join the union representing themthem

• Many business groups support Many business groups support right-to-work lawsright-to-work laws, which , which outlaw union membership as a condition of employmentoutlaw union membership as a condition of employment

• 1947- Congress passed 1947- Congress passed Taft-Harley ActTaft-Harley Act- - permits states to adopt right-to-work lawspermits states to adopt right-to-work laws

• Peak of American labor movement= Peak of American labor movement= 1956- 33% of non-agricultural 1956- 33% of non-agricultural workforce= in a unionworkforce= in a union

• Over the years the percentage has Over the years the percentage has declined- today= 16%declined- today= 16%

e. Businesse. Business• 70% of interest groups with headquarters 70% of interest groups with headquarters

in D.C. represent businessin D.C. represent business• Business PAC’s have increased more than Business PAC’s have increased more than

any other PAC’sany other PAC’s• All large firms have offices in D.C. that All large firms have offices in D.C. that

monitor legislative activitymonitor legislative activity

• Business interests= usually unified in promoting Business interests= usually unified in promoting greater profits- but they fragment when policy greater profits- but they fragment when policy choices have to be madechoices have to be made

• 2 umbrella organizations- the NAM (National 2 umbrella organizations- the NAM (National Association of Manufacturers) and the Chamber Association of Manufacturers) and the Chamber of Commerce- include most corporations and of Commerce- include most corporations and businesses, and will speak for them when businesses, and will speak for them when general business interests are at stakegeneral business interests are at stake

• Beyond general business interests? Hundreds Beyond general business interests? Hundreds of trade and product associations fight any of trade and product associations fight any regulations that might reduce their profits. regulations that might reduce their profits. They also seekThey also seek

*preferential tax treatment*preferential tax treatment

*government subsidies and contracts*government subsidies and contracts

2. Environmental interests2. Environmental interests

a. They have exerted lots of influence on Congress a. They have exerted lots of influence on Congress and state legislaturesand state legislatures

• Many of these groups- the Sierra Club, the Audubon Many of these groups- the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society around since the 19Society around since the 19thth century century

• Others- newer- since around the 1Others- newer- since around the 1stst Earth Day- 1970- Earth Day- 1970- when ecology-minded people marched to symbolize their when ecology-minded people marched to symbolize their support for environmental protectionsupport for environmental protection

b. Center of big clashes with interest groups that b. Center of big clashes with interest groups that want to ensure a supply of energywant to ensure a supply of energy

* Environmentalists insist that energy supplies can be * Environmentalists insist that energy supplies can be ensured without harming the environment or risking ensured without harming the environment or risking radiation exposure from nuclear plantsradiation exposure from nuclear plants

• Energy producers argue that environmentalists oppose Energy producers argue that environmentalists oppose nearly all new energy products. Argue that some limited nearly all new energy products. Argue that some limited risks have to be taken to fulfill energy demandsrisks have to be taken to fulfill energy demands

3. Equality interests3. Equality interestsa. Interest groups representing minorities and a. Interest groups representing minorities and womenwomen

• Main policy goal= equal rightsMain policy goal= equal rights

b. Equal rights at/in?b. Equal rights at/in?• VotingVoting• HousingHousing• JobsJobs• EducationEducation• All facets of American life= dominant goal of African-All facets of American life= dominant goal of African-

American interest groupsAmerican interest groups

c. oldest= the NAACP- many victories in c. oldest= the NAACP- many victories in principle…but in practice?principle…but in practice?• Today- Civil Rights Groups continue to push for Today- Civil Rights Groups continue to push for

more effective affirmative action programs in more effective affirmative action programs in educational and employment opportunitieseducational and employment opportunities

*example NAACP’s Fair Share program- *example NAACP’s Fair Share program- negotiates agreements with national and negotiates agreements with national and regional businesses to increase minority regional businesses to increase minority hiringhiring

c. women- the 19c. women- the 19thth Amendment- but more Amendment- but more recentlyrecently• NOW (National Organization of Women)- NOW (National Organization of Women)-

lobbying for an end to sexual discriminationlobbying for an end to sexual discrimination• Primary goal= passage of the ERA (Equal Primary goal= passage of the ERA (Equal

Rights Amendment)Rights Amendment)

*1972- Approved by Congress, but 3 states *1972- Approved by Congress, but 3 states short of the necessary 38short of the necessary 38

*why? Other interest groups fought *why? Other interest groups fought against its ratification- against its ratification-

• NOW still committed to guaranteeing NOW still committed to guaranteeing what the ERA would have guaranteed- by what the ERA would have guaranteed- by advocating enactment of many individual advocating enactment of many individual statutesstatutes

4. Consumer and public interest lobbies4. Consumer and public interest lobbies

a. Public interest lobbies- a. Public interest lobbies- represent represent groups that champion causes or ideas groups that champion causes or ideas “in the public interest”, they seek a “in the public interest”, they seek a “collective good”- by which everyone “collective good”- by which everyone should be better off- regardless of should be better off- regardless of whether they joined in the lobbyingwhether they joined in the lobbying

b. b. Consumer groupsConsumer groups• Consumer movement spurred by Ralph Consumer movement spurred by Ralph

NaderNader

**Unsafe at Any SpeedUnsafe at Any Speed- attacked GM- attacked GM*successfully sued GM- used proceeds *successfully sued GM- used proceeds

to launch 1to launch 1stst major consumer group major consumer group• Consumer groups have had victoriesConsumer groups have had victories

*1973- Consumer Product Safety *1973- Consumer Product Safety Commission- authorized to regulate all Commission- authorized to regulate all consumer products and ban dangerous consumer products and ban dangerous onesones• Others include interest groups that speak Others include interest groups that speak

for those who cannot speak for for those who cannot speak for themselvesthemselves

*children, animals, the mentally*children, animals, the mentally ill ill

VII. Understanding Interest GroupsVII. Understanding Interest Groups1. Interest groups and democracy1. Interest groups and democracy

a. The problem of interest a. The problem of interest groups today= similar to their groups today= similar to their problem as defined 200 years problem as defined 200 years ago by Madisonago by Madisonb. A free society must allow for b. A free society must allow for the representation of all groupsthe representation of all groupsc….but groups are more c….but groups are more concerned with their own self-concerned with their own self-interest than with the needs of interest than with the needs of society as a wholesociety as a wholed. In order for democracy to d. In order for democracy to work- self-interested groups work- self-interested groups cannot be allowed to assume a cannot be allowed to assume a dominant positiondominant position

2. Madison’s solution2. Madison’s solution

a. Create an open system in which many groups can a. Create an open system in which many groups can participate.participate.

• Groups with opposing interests would counterbalance each otherGroups with opposing interests would counterbalance each other

b. Pluralist theorists believe that:b. Pluralist theorists believe that:• A rough approximation of the public interest emerges from this A rough approximation of the public interest emerges from this

competition between so many groupscompetition between so many groups

c. Elite theorists point out that”c. Elite theorists point out that”

* Wealthier interest groups dominate and corrupt the * Wealthier interest groups dominate and corrupt the system. system.

d. Hyperpluralist theorists maintain that:d. Hyperpluralist theorists maintain that:• Whenever a major interest group objects strongly to proposed Whenever a major interest group objects strongly to proposed

legislation, policymakers bend over backwards to try to legislation, policymakers bend over backwards to try to accommodate itaccommodate it

• This type of behavior makes it impossible to accomplish any This type of behavior makes it impossible to accomplish any major policy changes= policy gridlock as policymakers try to major policy changes= policy gridlock as policymakers try to please too many interestsplease too many interests

2. Interest groups and the scope of government2. Interest groups and the scope of governmenta. The power of interest groups has implications on a. The power of interest groups has implications on the scope of governmentthe scope of government

b. Interest groups strive to b. Interest groups strive to maintain established programs maintain established programs that benefit them- the result=that benefit them- the result=

c. A broader scope of c. A broader scope of governmentgovernment• both Carter and Reagan both Carter and Reagan

remarked that they could not cut remarked that they could not cut waste in federal spending waste in federal spending because of interest groupsbecause of interest groups

d. The other side of the d. The other side of the argument:argument:• As the federal government has As the federal government has

become involved in more and become involved in more and more areas= more interest more areas= more interest groups have risen to influence groups have risen to influence policypolicy