Interest Groups in Action

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Interest Groups in Action

• Chapter 11, Theme C

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Interest Groups in Action

• 1. Providing Information
• Why is supplying credible info seen as the most
  important tactic by interest groups?
• Why must the info provided be credible?
• Discuss client politics. (CAB, FCC, FEA)
• How do political cues affect legislators
  decisions? (Lib. listens to lib. Groups, etc.)
• What is the purpose of ratings?

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Interest Groups in Action

• 2. Generating Public Support
• Explain difference between insider outsider
  strategy? What has led to grassroots lobbying or
  mass mobilization? (TV, toll-free s, Internet,
  etc)
• How do politicians avoid controversy pressure
  by interest groups and lobbyists? (listen to
  groups with whom they agree)
• Who are lobbyists key targets? What positive
  negative tactics do they employ? (Fence-sitters)
• How can grassroots support pressure lawmakers?

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Interest Groups in Action

• 3. Contributing to Campaigns
• How did the FECA affect campaign donations?
• Why is T. Kennedy wrong by saying, The finest
  Congress money can buy?
• Which type of PACs is the fastest growing? (id)
  Why do they contribute so little compared to
  other type of PACs? (direct mail)
• Who gets PAC money? Who gives it? (283-84)
• What does PAC money really buy? (Access)
• Do What would you do? on p.288.

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Interest Groups in Action

• 4. Accessing the Revolving Door
• What is the fear of the revolving door?
• How has the Ethics in Govt Act reduced the
  conflicts of interest created by the revolving
  door?
• 5. Creating Trouble
• What do you feel is the most effective form of
  making trouble? Least effective? Exs.

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Interest Groups in Action

• 6. Litigation
• Why do groups file lawsuits?
• Popular support not on side
• Gain injunction
• Bring attention
• Examples?

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Regulating Interest Groups

• In groups, explain how each of the following
  impacted special interest groups lobbying with
  a graphic organizer
• The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946)
• The Federal Elections Campaign Act (1974)
• The Lobbyist Disclosure Act (1995)
• The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)