INTEREST GROUPS - factors impacting success

Question 1

RESOURCE MOBILISATION

What is it and how does the NRA do this?

Answer 1

This is basically how some grievances in our society lead to the construction of interest groups and movements.

NRA membership in 2022 is 5.5 million (self-reported), they have a $200 million+ budget.

Groups with greater human, fiscal, and physical resources have greater success rates.

Question 2

USING RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY

How does using money effectively ensure interest group success?

Answer 2

The most influential groups make substantial campaign contributions through their associated PACs - they reward their allies and harm their rivals.

National Education Association in the 2020 cycle made $14,541,022 contributions (as on Open Secrets)

Question 3

STATREGY

Definition

What happened to the NRA following Sandy Hooks?

Answer 3

This is the strategy deployed by interest groups

NRA intervention following Sandy Hook school shooting attracted 100,000 new members in the 18 days following the attack.

It was controversial however - the chief exec made remarks on how schools no-weapons policy put children’s lives at risk.

Question 4

LOBBYING

What interest group spent the highest on lobbying in 2021?

Answer 4

In 2021, the US Chamber of Commerce was the top spender with $66,000 dollars spent on lobbying.

It protects “legacy industries” – tobacco, banking and fossil fuels which have been around for generations and have relied on political influence.

Question 5

OPPORTUNITY STRUCTURES

What do they have to do with anything?

Answer 5

Opportunities to organisations and lobbyists who command resources are available at countless federal and state access points.

They can submit amicus curiae briefs to the courts.

They can lobby commissions of regulations.

Changes in public opinion changes opportunity structures.