Unit 10 Flashcards
What Amendment protects the freedom to organize?
The First Amendment.
What is an interest group?
An organized group of people with a shared policy goal(s), who enter the policy process to try to achieve their goals.
What are the three important theories of American democracy (relating to interest groups)?
- Pluralism
- Elitism
- Hyperpluralism
Pluralism
The theory that interest groups are dispersed in power and represents everyone; every group balances each other out.
Elitism
The theory that few interest groups (primarily the wealthy) have the most power and is not shared equally. (Believes lobbying is a problem because it only benefits those in power.)
Hyperpluralism (AKA Interest Group Liberalism)
The theory that the interest group system is out of control and that government policies are too deferential to them. This often results in government policies being too contradictory.
Iron Triangles
Subgovernments composed of key interest group leaders interested in policy X, the government agency in charge of administering policy X, and the members of the congressional committees/subcommittees handling policy X.
What do all Iron Triangles have in common?
They all want to protect their self-interest.
What is the Madisonian system?
A structure of government in which the powers of government are separated into three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive.
What factors can make an interest group successful?
- Financial resources
- Size of group
- Intensity / Passion
What is a collective good?
Something of value or benefit, such as clean air.
What is a free-rider?
A person or group who benefits from the efforts of others without bearing any costs.
Collective Goods/Free-Rider Problem
For an interest group, the fact that some/many potential members will not join because they can obtain benefits from group activities without actually joining.
Selective Benefits
Goods that a group can restrict to those who actually join. Helps overcome the Free-Rider Problem.
Single-Issue Group
Group that has a narrow interest, dislikes compromise, and “single-mindedly” pursues their goal. It is assumed that Anti-Vietnam War activists were the first.
What strategies do interest groups use to achieve their policy goals?
- Lobbying
- Litigation
- Electioneering
- Appealing to the Public
Lobbying
The process by which an individual or group communicates with policymakers in an attempt to influence policy decisions.
The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
Established criteria for determining whether an organization or firm should register its employees as lobbyists.
Electioneering
Direct group involvement in the electoral process; help fund campaigns, getting members to work for candidates, etc.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Provides a means for interest groups to participate in electioneering; raises and spends money to elect/defeat candidates.
Litigating
When legislative objectives fail to pass in Congress, interest groups may fight for specific rulings via the judicial process.
Example of an interest group undergoing litigation:
American Civil Liberties Union challenged the constitutionality of the Communications Decency Act (regulating offensive content on the internet). In the case of Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union (1997), they succeeded in having the Supreme Court strike down the law.
Amicus Curiae briefs
Known as “friend of the court” briefs, which are written arguments submitted to courts in support of one side of the case. Usually seen in highly publicized or emotionally charged cases.
Example of use of Amicus Curiae briefs:
Was used in Fisher v. University of Texas (challenging the university’s affirmative action programs as a form of reverse discrimination).
