G 10 Interest Groups 1 Chapter 10 Interest Groups 1 Define what an Interest Group is and contrast its functions with political parties 2 Examine the role characteristics growth and diverse types of Interest Groups 3 Explain how Interest Groups are formed and maintained and discuss the obstacles 4 Examine the strategies of Interest Groups and Political Action Committees PACs 5 Discuss the role and function of lobbyists examine the various types of lobbying 6 Examine the role of Interest Groups in litigation and define amicus curiae 7 Analyze influence of Interest Groups and contrast external internal factors 8 Assess the overall positive negative impact of Int Groups on the political process 9 Prepare for Midterm Exam Chapters 1 10 2 Defining Interest Groups Interest Groups An organized group of people who share certain goals and try to influence How is it different from a Political Party 3 Interest Groups versus Political Party Purpose priorities of Political Party Elections win Purpose priorities of Interest Group Influence on an issue of particular Interest to the group 4 Five Main Functions of Interest Groups 5 Role Functions of Interest Groups Five main functions of Interest Groups 1 stand for interest of members 2 enable people to participate Government and Politics 3 members public government officials About issues of interest why IG goals should be supported 4 push new issues onto public agenda Examples Consumer protection Veterans issues 5 watch how laws are administered Assess Federal or State Government regulation 6 The Growth of Interest Groups History evolution of factions De Tocqueville s observations forming associations Anti slavery association of 1833 The Grange of 1860s anti Railroad monopolies National Woman Suffrage Association of 1869 Significant Interest Group IG growth since 1942 From 600 IGs in 1942 to 7000 in 1995 Why the growth of Interest Groups 7 Increased Demands on Government More demands of public placed on Government Civil Rights Anti Vietnam War Legacies Improvements advances in technology Rise of new issues almost every day What are the different types of Interest Groups 8 Diversity of Organized Interests Three general categories of Interest Groups 1 Interest Groups 2 Interest Groups 3 Interest Groups Examine each in greater detail 9 Economic Interest Groups Four types Business Groups Agricultural Groups Organized Labor Professional Associations 10 1 Economic Interest Groups 1 Business Chamber of Commerce NAM Trade Associations Alliance of Automobile Man 2 Organized Labor AFL CIO Amer Fed Of Teachers 3 Agricultural Groups American Farm Bureau large farms National Farmer s Union smaller farms Specific commodities corn hog etc 4 Professional Associations AMA ABA American Optometrists Association Also for advancement of women minorities American Association for University Women National Association for Black Accountants 11 2 Citizen Groups Interest groups also known as public interest groups dedicated to promoting a of public policy rather than the economic interests of their members Citizen Groups promote the Group s vision of public good American Civil Liberties Union NRA Single issue groups NAACP Greenpeace NOW 12 3 Government Interest Groups Interest Groups representing State Governments Foreign Governments Local Governments 13 Coalitions and Divisions Groups of similar interests often join in coalitions The Military Coalition military VA benefits Environmental Nature Conservation groups Groups might also divide or realign on various issues that they agree or disagree on Politics strange bedfellows NAFTA issue role of Cross cutting cleavages Divided realigned Environmental Interest Groups Allied with business who either supported or opposed it 14 Interest Group Formation Maintenance Reasons why interest groups form Theory Usually in response to Government policy Threat to the status quo The Cat Mother response IGs form mostly in response to some government policy Policies affecting or potentially affecting members interests Most are directly related to politics influence gov policy Also some IGs formed for reasons unrelated to politics Whose interest is usually represented Rich powerful why status political activism 15 Obstacles of Interest Group Formation The Collective Goods A dilemma created when people can Dilemma obtain the benefits of interest group activity without paying associated with it In this situation the interest group may not form because everyone has an incentive to let someone else pay the of group formation People who benefit without paying are called 16 People or groups who benefit from the efforts of others without bearing any of the costs So how are such obstacles to IG formation overcome 17 Overcoming Obstacles to Interest Group Formation Political entrepreneurs Cat Mother local vs Ralph Nader National Government or wealthy sponsor funds IG Or IGs attract motivate prospective members How are new members potentially attracted New members are offered what benefits vs Collective benefits What are the three types of Selective benefits 18 3 Selective Benefits of Interest Groups stuff identity purpose 19 Material The actual goods and services that come from belonging to an interest group Examples caps decals magazines cards discounts etc 20 Solidarity The emotional and psychological enjoyment that comes from belonging to an interest group whose members share common interests and goals 21 Expressive The feelings of satisfaction people derive from working for an interest group cause they believe is just and right Also known as purposive benefits 22 Material Solidarity Expressive Benefits Comprise Any benefit given to a member of a group but denied to nonmembers 23 Interest Group IG Maintenance IG Maintenance can be difficult How can this difficulty be overcome Retain members by upgrading selective benefits Add or modify benefits bigger better more Increase or decrease reliance on patrons Redefine group s mission Example March of Dimes From Polio of 1950s to heart disease cancer birth defects today 24 Interest Group Bias Affluent better educated over Poor and less educated Why The higher the socioeconomic status The more likely to Some exceptions Cesar Chavez led protests against Wealthier California grape growers during 70s Chavez was soon joined by young idealistic activists Still raises questions about Democracy political influence in America Of the few elite over many non politically involved Who are usually less affluent than