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 Defining Interest Groups Interest Groups Versus Political Parties Purpose priorities of Political Party Purpose priorities of Interest Group Interest Groups An organized group of people who share some goals and try to influence public policy Five Main Functions of Interest Groups Representation Education Political Participation Agenda Building Programming Monitoring Role Functions of Interest Groups Five main functions of Interest Groups Representation interest of members Political Participation enable people to participate Government and Politics Education members public government officials About issues of interest why IG goals should be supported Agenda building push new issues onto public agenda Examples Consumer protection Veterans issues Program Monitoring watch how laws are administered Assess Federal or State Government regulation The Growth of Interest Groups History evolution of factions De Tocqueville s observations forming associations Anti slavery association of 1833 National Woman Suffrage Association of 1869 The Grange of 1860s anti Railroad monopolies Significant Interest Group IG growth since 1942 From 600 IGs in 1942 to 7000 in 1995 Why the growth of Interest Groups Increased Demands on Government More demands of public placed on Government Civil Right Anti Vietnam War Legacy Improvements advances in technology Rise of new issues almost every day What are the different types of Interest Groups Diversity of Organized Interests Three general categories of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups Citizen Interest Groups Government Interest Groups Examine each in greater detail Economic Interest Groups 1 Four types Business Groups Agricultural Groups Organized Labor Professional Associations Economic Interest Groups 2 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 Optometric Assoc Also for advancement of women minorities American Association for University Women National Association for Black Accountants Citizen Groups Interest groups also known as public interest groups dedicated to promoting a vision of good public policy rather than the economic interests of their members Citizen Groups promote group vision of public good American Civil Liberties Union NRA Single issue groups NAACP Greenpeace NOW Government Interest Groups State Governments Foreign Governments Local Governments Coalitions and Divisions Groups of similar interests join in coalitions The Military Coalition military VA benefits Environmental Nature Conservation groups Groups might also divide or realign on various issues Politics strange bedfellows NAFTA issue Interest Group Formation and Maintenance Reasons why interest groups form Disturbance 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 Social economic status political activism Obstacles of Interest Group Formation The Collective Goods Dilemma A dilemma created when people can obtain the benefits of interest group activity without paying any of the costs associated with it In this situation the interest group may not form because everyone has an incentive to let someone else pay the costs of group formation People who benefit w o paying are called Free Riders 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 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 Selective benefits vs collective benefits What are the three types of selective benefits Three Benefits from Interest Groups Material stuff Solidarity identity Expressive purpose Material The actual goods and services that come from belonging to an interest group Examples Solidarity The emotional and psychological enjoyment that comes from belonging to an interest group whose members share common interests and goals 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 Material Selective Benefits Solidarity Expressive Any benefit given to a member of a group but denied to nonmembers Interest Group IG Maintenance IG Maintenance can be difficult How can this difficulty be overcome Retain mbrs by upgrading selective benefits Add or modify benefits bigger better more Increase or decrease reliance on patrons Redefine group s mission March of Dimes From Polio of 1950s to heart disease cancer today Interest Group Bias Affluent better educated over Poor and less educated Why The higher the socioeconomic status the more likely to be actively involved in politics Some exceptions Cesar Chavez against Wealthier California grape growers during 70s Chavez was soon joined by young idealistic activists Still raises questions about Democracy political influence of few elite over many non politically involved Interest Group Strategies Four major IG Strategies Political Action Committees PACs Lobbying the Government Mobilizing Public Opinion Litigating Let s examine each strategy in greater detail IG Strategy 1 Political