Pressure Groups Flashcards
Types of pressure groups
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- Single issue
- Cause
- Professional
- Corporate
Single issue groups
Sucess depends on political climate and public opinion
- for example environmental groups are becoming increasingly popular (e.g. Sierra Club)
- counter organisations also examples of single issue group - for every Right to Life there is a Planned Parenthood
Professional associations
Expertise means they are listened to esp. when amicus briefs (offering information in court) or as expert witnesses, active & committed membership
- ABA - lawyers - give ratings for judicial appointees
- AMA - doctors
Cause
Have a single cause they want to achieve
- eg NRA is successful as it has large membership & seeks to impede change - uphold constitution
- Trade unions - AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) can draw on 12 million members
Corporate
large companies or buissnesses
- eg wall street lobbying led to the Dodd-Frank regulations (It established a number of new government agencies for finnacial regulation) being made to be 800 pages long (so loopholes could be found)
- successful as have lots of money - corporate PACs outspend labour PACs 2:1
- FDA is major target of lobbying - $18 mill spent so far lobbying FDA
What are the functions of pressure groups? Representation
US citizens can have their views represented and their grievances articulated. They’re an important link between politician and people and provide easy access for ordinary citizens to voice their opinions
What are the functions of pressure groups? Citizen participation
Increase their involvement in the decision-making process. Election Day is the one day per year so in-between, Americans seek far greater, more frequent participation in pressure groups. They also target specific policy e.g. the NRA and pro-gun policy
What are the functions of pressure groups? Public education
Seek to educate public opinion, warning people of the possible dangers if issues aren’t addressed as well as the likely effects of decisions made by governments and professional organisations
What are the functions of pressure groups? Agenda building
May perform the function of agenda building. They may bring together different parts of US society e.g. business groups, religious groups, state governments and professional organisations
What was the significance of citizens united vs FEC (2010) ?
Influenced the creation of Super PAC’s through the use of corporations and interest groups protected by the 1st amendment
Strength of amicus briefs
Judges are able to make direct references to these briefs
Iron Triangle
A close, often beneficial, relationship between a government agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group
Revolving Door Lobbying
Policy makers usually become lobbyists after office and make the most money of all lobbyists
How does pluralism influence politics?
- The Founding Fathers had voiced a concern regarding groups in society (factions) trying to influence politics and govern.
- The idea of pluralism was particularly debated in the 1950s and 1960s - it argued that political power is not just with the government, but also by groups with many different interests.
- Previously, political theorist, Wright Mills had argued that elitism (political power with small wealthy elitist groups) was dominant in the US.
- However, Robert Dahl argued that groups of ordinary Americans influenced factors such as party nominations, urban redevelopment and public education.
- Therefore, compromise was necessary between competing groups.
What are the key methods used by pressure groups?
- Electioning
- Endorsement
- Lobbying
- Organising grassroots activities
Methods used by Pressure Groups
Endorsement
3
Pressure groups (similar to PACs and Super PACs) also campaign to support or oppose candidates for Congress or the presidency based on a particular policy area.
- Examples of this are in 2016, the pro-life group, National Right to Life endorsed Donald Trump.
- The pro-choice group NARAL endorsed Clinton
- the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) publishes a dirty dozen list every 2 years, with 12 members of Congress that are see to have the worst record on environmental conservation. In 2016, only 3 of the dirty dozen were defeated therefore suggesting that this particular pressure group has a limited impact on the voters.
Methods used by Pressure Groups
Lobbying
3
- Pressure groups can often supply legislators with valuable information through researching, making connections/appointments with individuals, liaising etc.
- Therefore these lobbyists have offices in Washington DC and other major cities in order to be close to those in the federal, state and local government.
- Oil and Gas - $92, 244, 920
Methods used by Pressure Groups
Organising grassroots activities
4
- Pressure groups also particularly target specific legislators to get a particular point across or to raise their profile.
- This includes social media and phone ‘blitz’ to Congress, written protests, email, mail.
- State and federal court houses are sometimes targeted through marches and demonstrations.
- Also, controversial decisions regarding abortion, gun control etc, often create large numbers of pressure groups protesting outside the Supreme Court building in Washington DC.
Why do PGs publicise voting records?
They use this to publicly shame or praise politicians in accordance with their views.
How do pressure groups impact the judiciary?
3
- They take interest in the nomination the president makes to the SC.
- The American Bar Association evaluates the professional qualifications of the nominees. Lobbying them is important as they play a key role in the confirmation process in the Senate.
- Amicus curiae briefings - present views in court before oral arguments are heard.
What are the advantages of pressure groups?
6
- Provide gov with information.
- Bring order to policy debates, challenging the wishes of clients and members they represent.
- Broaden opportunities for participation.
- Opportunities for minority views to be represented.
- Enhance fundamental right of freedom of speech.
- Provotte conversations outside of elections.
What are the disadvantages of pressure groups?
- Revolving door syndrome
- Iron triangle relationships
- Inequality between groups - unfair representation
- Concentration on special interest at the expense of public interest
- Over-influence of money
- Undemocratic methods - lobbying
national rifle association spending on lobbying in 2021
around 2mil
