US Interest Groups

Question 1

What is an interest group?

Answer 1

An Independent, non-governmental group, united by a policy area, which lobbies and advocates its point of view to lawmakers

Question 2

Why can interest groups be seen as stronger in the USA than the UK?

Answer 2

In the US they have far more points of contact

Question 3

Why are influence groups significant?

Answer 3

1. Frequent election cycles
2. Large number off access points
3. Federal nature of the USA
4. Their rights are
   constitutionally protected
5. Political apathy towards main parties
6. Parties are weak and fractious

Question 4

What are 3 factors effecting influence over group success?

Answer 4

1. Group finances
2. Group membership
3. Expertise

Question 5

What is lobbying?

Answer 5

Using persuasion to influence a group or an individual or organisation
The USA is well know for its ‘redress of grievance’ - or seeing nature
People who lobby for a living are known as lobbyists

Question 6

How much was spent on lobbying in 2016

Answer 6

$3.15 billion

Question 7

Why are interest groups significant in the US?

Answer 7

Frequent election cycles
Citizens United v FEC (2010) and super PACs 
Access points
Federalism
Constitution
Political apathy for main parties
Weak and fractious parties

Question 8

How does federalism make interest groups significant?

Answer 8

Groups can target change on a state level instead of having to worry about national politics

Question 9

Example of decision made on state level

Answer 9

Marijuana

Question 10

How does the constitution make interest groups significant?

Answer 10

Protects the rights of groups to exist and gives them judicial recourse if there rights are infringed

Question 11

How does political apathy make interest groups significant?

Answer 11

Causes increase towards 3rd parties and a shift to issue based voting, interest groups have seen increased membership as a result

Question 12

How does weak fractious parties make interest groups significant?

Answer 12

Allows greater access by targeting factions with in parties. Also means policies are more flexible and responsive to influence

Question 13

What factors affect groups success?

Answer 13

Finances
Membership
Exertise

Question 14

How does finances affect groups significance?

Answer 14

Could be used to hire lobbyists, media campaigns, advertising, contribute to political campaigns

Question 15

Example of finances affecting groups significant..

Answer 15

NRA- although finances falling now, in 2016 raised $366 million and spent $412 million on political activities

Question 16

How does membership affect a groups significance?

Answer 16

More members the voters a congressional politicians get by backing you
More members means more ability to organise events, protests, etc
More membership fees/donations