Post on 30-Dec-2015
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Unit 2
Ch 6-11
Inputs to US Government
Quiz1. Write any portion of the group theory
of politics.2. What keeps large interest groups
from being very successful?3. What is the difference between a
collective good & a selective good?4. What is the difference between union
shops and right-to-work laws?5. What are public interest lobbies?
Interest Groups
• Groups with interest in shared area – seeking influence
– In government
– In public opinion
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)
2 basic functions of IGs
• Issue advocacy
– Fighting for a cause
– Not partisan politics or election campaigning
2 basic functions of IGs
• Issue advocacy
– Donations tax-exempt for issue purposes only
– Nearly unlimited 1st amendment protections
2 basic functions of IGs
• Campaign advocacy / electioneering
– Fighting for a party/candidate
– Direct campaigning or donating
2 basic functions of IGs
• Campaign advocacy / electioneering
– Donations NOT tax-exempt
– Must disclose donations to Federal Election Commission
Political Action Committees
• Divisions of IGs that engage in electioneering
– Allows issue advocacy division to avoid donation restrictions
Political Action Committees
• Collect and bundle donations from members
• Use campaign funds:– Donate to candidates / parties
– Campaign directly
Types of IGs
• Economic groups (most numerous)
• Ideological
• Identity
• Public Interest
• Foreign policy
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
Corporate / Trade group IGs
• Major industries:– Manufacturing – Defense
– Telecom – Alcohol
– Banking – Tobacco
– Medical – Real Estate
– Insurance – Petroleum
Labor Unions
• Want more rights for workers
• Heavily favor Democrats
• Largest type of big $ donors
Labor Unions
• Most politically important labor unions in US:
– AFL-CIO – UAW
– AFSCME – Teamsters
– IBEW – NEA
Professional Orgs
• Very powerful compared to # of members – lots of $ available
– AMA – AICPA
– ADA – ABA
Ideological IGs
• Fight for a cause – often for a single issue
– Gun rights• NRA – (strongest IG in US)
– Environmental• Sierra Club, WWF
Ideological IGs
• Abortion—pro-life– NRLC– FRC– Susan B. Anthony List
• Abortion—pro-choice– NARAL– NOW– EMILY’s List
Identity IGs
• Groups based on personal identity
– AARP (largest IG in US)
– NAACP
– ADL
Public Interest IGs
• Only issue advocacy– Nonpolitical groups
– Most any charity
• Common Cause
Foreign policy IGs
• Council on Foreign Relations
• American-Israel PAC
• Amnesty International
Varying characteristics of IGs
• Size– Free rider problem
– Must keep members active• Selective benefits
– Small groups sometimes more powerful
Varying characteristics of IGs
• Scope– Some IGs influential in certain
areas & not in others
• Leadership– Strong leaders amplify
influence
Varying characteristics of IGs
• Resources $ often means access
– Influence: small groups of rich ≥ large groups of working class
Techniques of IGs
• Groups do whatever is easiest to accomplish goals
• Don’t go to lower preference unless it’s necessary
Preferable Techniques
• Lobbying– Direct contact of gov officials
by highly paid professionals
– Not just Congress• Executive Branch agencies
• State governments
• NOT JUDGES
Preferable Techniques
• Revolving door– Best lobbyists are former
members of Congress
– Retain contacts in Congress & executive agencies
Preferable Techniques
• Donations from IGs– Often distributed by lobbyists
– Not usually a quid pro quo• Long-term relationship between
gov official & group that agree
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
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
Next preferences
• Grassroots efforts– Get regular people involved
• Publicity stunts (free press)
• Newsletters / mass mailings
• Petitions / demonstrations
• Media buys (can be expensive)
Last resort
• Litigation– Only if gov doesn’t listen
– Take them to court to get rights
– Often very expensive & time consuming
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