An Organized Group That Tries to Influence Public Policy

Interest Groups

Interest Group An organized group that tries to influence public policy.

Specialized focus on a particular group of citizens NAACP, AARP, AFL-CIO Or a particular policy area NRA, National Right to Life Association

Interest Groups They are both a vehicle for citizens to express their views And a vehicle for socialization and communicating knowledge and values to citizens.

They arise from the natural human tendency to socialize with others who share common interests Profession, religion, community you live in Everybody belongs Some groups are latent (existing, but not organized) until their political relevance becomes obvious

Why Interest Groups? Government resources are always scarce Groups seek to have more resources devoted to their interest or cause. Frequently produces some conflict because more resources in one area usually have to come by taking resources from another area

Interest Groups Vs. Parties Interest groups pursue policy goals May do so with either party May support, but do not run candidates Policy specialists Different from political parties Seek to win elections Nominate candidates for office Policy generalists Must know something about multiple policies

Types of Interest Groups Broad based / multi-issue Labor unions, Christian coalition, NOW Economic interests Most groups organized around production Single Issue NRA, National Right to Life Committee Public Interest Groups -- PIGS Environmental, Common Cause

What Do They Do? Lobbying Electioneering Going Public

The Washington (and Austin) Lobbyists Estimated to be about 15,000 in Washington 28 for each member of Congress Many are former members of Congress Goal: Influence making and enforcing of laws Push or resist laws or seek exceptions / loopholes

Lobbyist tools Information Useful information on pros and cons of a proposal Information on how it will affect constituents Think Tanks – justifying different positions non-profit, tax-free policy planning organizations focus on policy development rather than on lobbying Claim to be objective, but are not American Enterprise Institute Heritage Foundation Brookings Institution

Why to legislators listen to lobbyists Lobbyists provide specialized expertise Lobbyists help with political & campaign strategy Lobbyists provide ideas Lobbyists often speak for important segments of constituents

Regulating Washington Lobbyists Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946) Required registration of lobbyists Lobbying Disclosure Act (1995) Stricter definition of lobbying Tougher registration requirements Report clients and issues Estimate amount paid by clients Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 Bans on gifts; longer waiting periods

Electioneering Contribute to parties or candidates Develop Political Action Committees (PACs) Get out the vote activities Benefits large member groups And strongly devoted groups Rating members of Congress

Cost of Campaigns Some interest groups specialize, some do not Some “Rational” money supports incumbents Some support “true believers” Example, NRA contributions 2007-2012 EMILY’s List

Clearly a class bias, but not totally: Sources of interest group success Financial resources Campaign activities Hire most and best lobbyists Support think tanks Size Benefits labor unions Devotion to group goals Benefits ideological groups

Electioneering activity: Registering group members and encouraging them to Vote. NAACP and Number of Black Registered Voters: 1964-96

Going Public Rating Officeholders Campaign or policy related advertising Building general support for group and group interests

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and Super Pacs Super Pacs – New in 2012 May collect any amount of money Without most regular PAC limits or reporting requirements And may spend almost any way it wishes May not give to candidate or coordinate with candidate But may independently advocate for or against any cause or candidate Corporations may use as much of their income as they want advocating for the election of favored candidates

“Swift Boat” attacks on 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry (and John McCain in 2008) Swift Boat, Vietnam War “Independent” Group Ads 2012

Grassroots Lobbying BP Commercials on their “great cleanup” efforts Clean Coal?

Interest Groups: Summary Interest Groups and Participation Organization is power An organized group gets more done than a lone individual writing letters A vehicle for political participation Groups highlight important issues Communicate information to the public

Surprising Ineffectiveness of Large Groups Smaller groups have advantage Easier to organize E.g. A small number of steel manufacturers can organize more effectively than millions of steel consumers Single-issue groups On the rise Often Highly motivated Dislike compromise