Chapter 17: Interest Groups Flashcards
pluralism
a multitude of views that ultimately results in a consensus on some issues
lobbying
applying pressure to influence government
Free-Rider Problem
limits the groups potential because not all those benefiting help pay the bills.
iron triangles
the bonds among an agency. A congressional committee, and an interest group the three entities establish relationships that benefit them all.
issue networks
collectives with similar goals, but they have come together to support a specific issue and usually do not have the long term relationships of iron triangles.
direct lobbying
the most common technique to exert influence, directly lobbying lawmakers.
lobbyists
work to develop relationships through their contacts who have access to government officials
Rule of Law
the law applies evenly to everyone
limited government
the government doesn’t have infinite powers, it is controlled by the people.
Give and Take
politicians are influenced but are also given some valuable information
insider strategies
quietly persuading government decision makers through exclusive access.
outsider strategies
public efforts to influence policy with such things as lawsuits or get-out-the vote drives.
client interaction
informing clients, discussing strategy
legislative activity
providing information/researching bills/ drafting bills
social media
monitoring congressional activity, targeting outreach
implementation
testifying on bills/filing amicus curiae briefs
other activity
meetings, business development/media commentary, etc.
electoral activity
advertising, making PAC donations
501 (c)(3)/ 501(c)(4) groups
(certain social welfare organizations) can lobby and campaign, but they can’t spend more than half their expenditures on political issues.
endorsement
a public expression of support
grassroots lobbying
generally an outsider technique, mobilizing opposition or support to legislation, could be a goal of a grassroots campaign
“Grasstops”
rather than mobilizing large numbers of people, interest groups and their lobbyists will narrowly target opinion leaders and individuals who know and have connections with lawmakers.
Growth of Interest Groups
arose as the U.S. changed from a mainly agrarian economy to a manufacturing nation. The masses pushed to have their voices heard.
Growth of Labor Unions
Reached new levels in the 1950s. The AFL-CIO became the leading voice for the working class. Union membership peaked in 1954.
trade associations
interest groups made of businesses within a specific industry.
Progressive Era Amendments
three amendments (16th, 17th, and 19th) contributed to interest group growth and activity.
Women’s movement
women drew attention to urban decay, child labor, alcoholism, and other humanitarian concerns after getting the right to vote. The Feminine, Mystique, and Title IX.
Environmental movement
generated a consciousness about the misuse of our environment- the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, and the Audubon Society.
Consumer movement
began to demand that manufacturers take responsibility for making products safe. President Kennedy put forth a consumer’s Bill of Rights.
Intergovernmental Lobby
was created from people with a keen interest in government rules and regulations that affect their job- National Governor’s Association, National League of Cities, and U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Professional associations
typically represent white-collar professions.
Think Tanks
research institutions, often with specific idealogical goals.
Purposive incentives
give the joiner some philosophical satisfaction
Solidary incentives
those that allow people of like mind to gather on occasion
Material incentives
travel discounts, subscriptions to magazines or newspapers, or items such as bags, caps, or jackets.
Upper-class bias
the average group member’s annual income is $17,000 higher than the national average and 43% of interest groups members have advanced degrees. Must have disposable income.
Public interest groups
geared to improve lives or government for the masses rather than the few. Some newer groups that are founded tend to be public interest groups. Ralph Nader
Single interest groups
focus on just one topic NRA or AARP
Ideological groups
interest groups formed around a political ideology NAACP or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Republican Party’s Pull to the Right
equal rights and abortion pushed them more right
Democratic Party’s Push to the Left
The Equal Rights Amendment, the Creation of NOW, and the NAACP caused a push to protect minorities
Ethics and Reform
increased number of firms that have influenced Congress and increased the role of PAC money lobbyists can triple their salaries if they leave Capitol Hill and join lobbying groups.
Congressional Acts on Lobbying
Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946)
Lobbying Disclosure Act (1955)
Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (2007)
Bundling
Raising large sums from multiple donors for a candidate
Revolving Door
A criticism of interest groups. Government officials quit their jobs or don’t get re-elected then they take government jobs for a certain lobbying agency. Some fear that private interests by businesses have an unfair influence on government decisions.
