Pressure Groups Flashcards
what is the existence of PGs protected by?
the constitution
how is the existence of PGs protected by the constitution?
1st amendment - right to free speech
what do some PGs have enshrined in the constitution?
their aims - e.g. NRA
what are PGs able to do against political parties?
PGs are able to launch uses in the SC against laws passed by political parties in Congress - if they believe they are unconstitutional
what power do the SC have?
power of judicial review so are able to declare acts or actions unconstitutional, and thus null and void
what tactics do PGs often use in the court?
filing amicus briefs to the court
in what recent case did PGs file amicus briefs?
Citizens Untied v FEC (2012)
which PGs filed amicus briefs against which law?
- citizens united and American civil liberties union (ACLU)
- against Bipartisan election reform act - passed by Congress in 2002
what did the 2012 bipartisan election reform act do?
act prevented non-profit organisations, corporations and PGs from political advertising and campaigning 60 days before election
what did SC rule in citizens united?
ruled act was unconstitutional as it went against the 1st amendment
what did the citizens united show?
power of PGs as they overturned legislation passed by parties
what technique do PGs use in congress?
lobbying congressional committees to influence legislative process
in the 2016 cycle, how much did NRA spend on house committees?
$1,029,200 on 19 US house committees
in the 2016 cycle, how much did NRA spend on senate committees?
$518,650 on 17 Senate committees
what are committees the starting place for?
legislation