Lecture Notes 7: Interest Groups Flashcards
- What is the key difference between interest groups and social groups? What defines an interest group
as an interest group?
Interest groups try to influence government directly. Where as a social group directly influences society in the hopes that governmental policy will change. So for instance a social group would urge you to quit smoking in public, and to rally against smoking in public. But an interest group would petition the government to mandate a ban on public smoking nation wide.
- Why was Madison concerned about the formation of factions? What were the two solutions that
would help overcome the problems of faction?
Concerned that one group would set policy for everyone else. And in a free society interest groups are bound to form, and if that majority wins, the minority will lose. Madison had two solutions, to make a representative republic, and a large one at that. Having a large republic would lead to the creation many opinions and ideas, while a representative government would have representatives who are there to support and/or appose groups. So in the end if policy is to be passed it would likely have been changed to be compromise that way both majority and minority win.
- What is pluralism? Why is pluralism important to the study of American politics? How does “disturbance theory” fit in with the concept of pluralism? How does elite theory differ from pluralism?
Pluralism is a participatory government with many different interests that are represented. And this assumes that any group can form in response to any form of disturbance, but often only the rich or well off are able to do so, thus excluding the poor. This is important since it leaves people out, the poor won’t be able to participate since it takes time and money.
Elitism is a government where policy outcomes results from the most wealthy and powerful. So political, corporate, and military elite’s would always be responsible for most outcomes, thus creating an illusion of participation, since the average folk would think they have a voice when in reality the elite is dictating all.
- Do interest groups represent all socioeconomic classes equally? What is the primary concern of
interest groups?
No, they do tend to favor wealthier individuals since they have the money and means to further promote and help the interest group. To gain benefits for supporting members who pay their fees, and of course, wealthier people would be most likely to join as they have more money and time to give!
- What is the collective action problem - and, how does it arise? What effect does that have on interest
group outcomes? What about the free-rider problem? Describe the most effective method to
overcome the free-rider problem.
The collective action problem is also called the free-rider problem, they are the same thing. This issue arises when the interest group achieves a benefit that will benefit all who support the benefit, even if they aren’t members. So if the interest group will eventually give everyone benefits why should anyone pay since they’re going to receive those benefits even if they don’t support them. The most common solution is to give members selective benefits, meaning that the group will give them gifts such as stickers, t-shirts, hats, or anything else to make the individual feel good and express solidarity.
- What is the “revolving door” idea when it comes to lobbying?
Most lobbyists tend to be ex legislators. And these retired legislators will obviously keep that knowledge and connections once their time is up so could use all that expertise to help out an interest group.
- What are the main direct tactics that interest groups use? What “type” of the group is more likely to use
direct tactics?
Direct tactics include targeting congress or beurocrats directly. by the following tactics. Lobbying, testifying for legislators, drafting legislation for the legislators, suing groups that threaten the group’s values. Groups with LOTS of money but FEW people are more likely to use direct tactics.
- What are the main indirect tactics that interest groups may use? What “type” of group is more likely
to use indirect tactics? {What’s “indirect” about indirect tactics?]
Indirect tactics are when a group targets the people, in hopes that Congress will listen. Tactics include grassroots movements, protests, boycotts, and public campaigns all to put pressure on Congress. This approach is more likely to be used by groups with LOTS of members, but NOT ALOT of money.
- How do conservatives and liberals differ in the types of interest group support they receive?
One thing to mention is that groups buy access not votes, so that’s why interest groups donate money to like-minded individuals rather than donating to the opposing in hopes of changing some minds and starting a conversation. Liberals tend to get money from unions while Conservatives tend to get the most support from larger corporations.
- In what ways to interest groups benefit the political process? In what ways do interest groups fail to
benefit the political process? Provide two examples of both.
They benefit the political process by group representation, meaning that the more members join a group the stronger and louder their voices are, increasing representation. Another way they help is by getting info to their members, keeping them knowledgeable and active.
But it can also hinder the process since it can lead to corruption and influence that may be negative. And too many groups can lead to hyperpluralism where there is soo many groups that issues arise, such as issues in accountability since a politician can argue that one block of groups would dislike a certain policy therefore they had no choice but to not vote for it.
