Chapter Six

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Chapter Six

• Interest Groups

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What are interest groups?

• Groups that share common belief / attitude
• Purpose influence government and affect policy
• Madison called these groups factions (believed
  they were caused by the unequal distribution of
  property)
• Often utilize lobbyists to express their beliefs
  to the government

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Economic

• Corporations businesses have concerns over
  policy, they actively support candidates who
  support their issues (Exxon, GM, Coca-Cola)
• Trade Associations generally small businesses
  who align themselves for protection of all
  (Chamber of Commerce)
• Labor unions unite workers, focus on working
  conditions wages, 14 of Americans (AFL-CIO)
• Professional white collared unions some of
  the strongest and biggest supporters (NEA, AMA)

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Ideological

• See politics as a way to pursue the issue(s) that
  are most important to them
• Usually very adamant about their position
  unwilling to compromise
• Examples ACLU, Christian Coalition, Greenpeace,
  NRA

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Public Interest

• Claim they promote interest of the public what
  they want is good for everyone
• Safety concerns, consumer protection,
  environmental issues, good government
• Example Public Interest Research Groups,
  started by Nader
• Tax-exempt public charities fit into this
  category (American Heart Association)

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Foreign Policy

• Organizations that promote/oppose foreign
  policies
• Some focused on a specific issue in U.S. foreign
  policy
• Examples American Israeli Political Action
  Committee, National Association of Arab Americans

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Government Interest

• Cities and states have their own lobbyist in
  Washington to ensure that their concerns and
  wishes are heard by the national government
  (National League of Cities)

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Others

• Those who dont fit into a category yet certainly
  lobby Washington to support their interests (VFW,
  nationality groups, Knights of Columbus)

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Determinants of Effectiveness

• Size more people more influence
• Active more important than size
• Spread concentration vs. spread
• Resources , volunteers, reputation, expertise
• Competitors Alliances
• Cohesiveness
• Leadership
• Techniques

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Techniques Used

• Publicity and Mass Media
• Mass Mailings
• Write Opinions to Congress
• Give Speeches
• Litigation
• Go to trial
• Amicus curiea briefs

• Election Activity
• Endorsements
• Form a Political Party
• Free Soil, Green
• Cooperative Lobbying
• Join for common cause

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Lobbyists

• Name from mid-1800s when people met politicians
  in lobby of Capitol to express concerns
• Today most are former government employees who
  work for interest groups (revolving door)
• Have some influence on politicians but not as
  much as perceived
• Politicians like them because their groups give
  money for reelection campaigns

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Iron Triangle
Lobbyists (Retired General)
Congressional Committees (Senate Armed Services
Committee)
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FECA

• Federal Election Campaign Act (1971)
• Must disclose receipts/expenditures of those
  involved in federal campaigns
• Provides partial public funding to Presidential
  candidates
• Spending is unlimited, contributions are limited
  (Buckley v. Valeo spending is free speech,
  cannot be limited)
• Result growth of PACs, more funding going to
  candidates

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Political Action Committees

• Political arm of interest groups that raise funds
  and contribute money
• FECA limits 5000 (now 15,000) to a candidate,
  but unlimited donations to political parties
• Host fund raisers and bundle money to give to
  candidates
• Incumbents receive most of funds, helps them win
  reelection
• Soft Money any not subject to limits

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Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)
(McCain/Feingold Act)

• Soft is getting out of control from parties and
  PACs it bans all soft , sets limits on any
  directly linked to campaigns
• Bans issue advocacy ads from those not subject to
  limits too close to elections (other ads required
  to have tag line)
• McConnell v. FEC upheld BCRA saying limiting
  and banning ads do not violate 1st amendment
• Citizens United v. FEC struck down ban on issue
  advocacy ads saying free speech was restricted
• Growth of SuperPACs is the result