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