Understanding Interest Groups and Their Impact on Politics
Explore the role of interest groups in influencing government decisions and legislation, the reasons behind their prevalence, types of interest groups, incentives for joining, ideological differences, funding sources, biases, and their significant function of providing informed expertise to Congress.
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Interest Groups Their Effect on Politics
Lobby- An interest group organized to influence government decisions, especially legislation. Why are interest groups so common? 1. Many cleavages in the country due to diversity 2. Many access points to government 3. Political parties are weak and too broad spectrum
Why are interest groups on the rise? -Broad diversity of economics -Government policy itself -Emergence of strong leaders -the expanding role of government Negatives? -upper class bias -revolving door -corruption -bribery -factions
Interest Group- any organization that seeks to influence public policy Two Types: Institutional - those lobbyists that are hired to represent others, professional lobbyists that represent client concerns Membership - those organizations whose members actively participate in the lobbying - Social, unions, religious groups - Civic duty to join What kind of interest group is yours?
Incentives to join an interest group: Solidarity- pleasure and companionship Material- benefits, money, services Purposive- goals of the organization itself What are the incentives to join your interest groups?
Ideological vs. public interest groups Ideological - Controversial principles - Two sides to the issue - Benefits members Ex. Unions Public Interest -benefits members and non-members alike -for the common good of society Ex. AARP, Sierra Club Social movement - a widely shared demand for change in the social or political order - liberal or conservative Your groups?
How are interest groups funded? -Foundation grants -Federal Grants -Direct Mail How is yours funded?
Upper Class Bias of Interest Groups -more affluent are more likely to join and be active -business/professional groups are much more numerous and well financed than minority groups Impact? What is the most important activity of an interest group? -to provide credible, up to date, expert information to Congress Yours?
Political cues for Congressmen -what values are at stake and how that fits with their political beliefs Why are cues important? -Constituency Interest groups and the rating system -groups use a rating system based on how each congressman votes on issues related to their cause -groups relate this information to the constituency Yours?
Insider vs. Outsider Lobbying strategy Insider -Lobbyists try to influence congressmen directly through direct contact on Capital Hill Outsider -grassroots mobilization of an issue going to the people rather than the politician -purpose is to get the people motivated to contact their congressman to exert influence over their position on the issue Yours?
PAC- Political Action Committee -all organizations that donate money to political parties must create a PAC as the avenue to donate such funds -PAC funds must be kept separate from general funds and be accounted for separately. 50% Corporate 10% Union 40% various issues Impact? -more money available on all sides of issues -no evidence the money effects voting -more effect on committees
Revolving Door Politics -Congressman to lobbyist -Lobbyist to administration Does this lead to corruption? -promise of jobs to officials
1995 restrictions placed on lobbyists by congress -People who spend 20% of their time lobbying are considered lobbyists -People paid at least $5000 in any six month period for lobbying are considered lobbyists -Corporations or groups that spend more than $20,000 on lobby efforts in any six month period are considered lobbyists Requirements: - Must provide a list of client names - Must provide all expenditures to the government - Must disclose what issues your organization represents
