chapter 11 interest groups. learning objectives copyright © 2014 cengage learning 2 assess the...

CHAPTER 11CHAPTER 11Interest GroupsInterest Groups

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning2

Assess the function of interest groups as a mechanism by which groups of people attempt to influence government to advance shared goals

Define pluralism as the theory that public policy is largely the product of a variety of different interest groups competing with one another to promote laws that benefit members of their respective groups

Compare and contrast both the benefits and criticisms of the interest-group system in the United States



Identify the reasons for the growth of interest groups in the United States during the twentieth century

Evaluate the critical role interest groups play in influencing policymaking through structures such as iron triangles and issue networks

Identify solidary benefits as one of the reasons people join interest groups

Assess the factors that contribute to each interest group’s level of influence on policy



Distinguish between economic interest groups and noneconomic interest groups according to their primary purpose and cite examples of each type of group

Explain the “free rider” problem that many interest groups face

Identify the activities interest groups engage in to achieve their goals and influence public policy

Pluralism and the Pluralism and the Interest Group SystemInterest Group System


What Is an Interest Group? Organization of people

with shared goals Tries to influence

public policy Way to advance their

interest



Pluralism Theory that public policy results from interest

groups competing with one another Majoritarianism

Theory that public policy is a product of what majorities of citizens prefer



The Pros of Interest Groups Provide all groups with an opportunity to win

support for their ideas and positions Joining and working for the interests of a group is

a natural inclination for citizens Association is protected by the First Amendment Fair system that provides an equitable opportunity



The Cons of Interest Groups Groups supported by the wealthy have greater

resources Promotes advancement of interests that don’t

always strive for the common good Large corporations dominate the system Amount of groups slows policy making Leaders are not elected Concentrate benefits for the few while distributing

costs to the many



Interest Groups versus Political Parties Differ in two important ways

Interest groups do not run candidates for office Groups focus narrowly on special issues while

parties are guided by broader approaches



Social Movements Many movements have been propelled by

interest group activities Civil rights Women’s rights

Movements have been Political Economic Social

Interest Groups in ActionInterest Groups in Action


The Growth of Interest Groups Government growth leads to growth of interest

groups New Deal Great Society

Opportunities for interest group influence have expanded

Interest groups finance campaigns Political Action Committees



Iron Triangle Congressional committees and subcommittees

assigned to a specific policy area Executive agencies administering policies in

this area Interest groups seeking to influence policy area

Depend on one another for support and influence

The Iron Triangle of PolicymakingThe Iron Triangle of Policymaking




Issue networks Broad array of actors that have a vested interest in

an area of public policy Includes congressional staff and media members Try to influence a policy area



Membership in Groups Number of Americans in interest groups is high Tend to have higher incomes and greater resources Can favor upper classes of society



Reasons for membership Material benefits Purposive benefits Solidary benefits



What Makes Some Groups More Powerful Than Others? Size of the membership Wealth of the members Dedication of members to the goals of the group

Types of Interest GroupsTypes of Interest Groups


Economic Groups Business Groups

Trade Associations Free Riders

Labor Unions Open Shop Closed Shop Union Shops

Professional Associations

Types of Interest GroupsTypes of Interest Groups


Noneconomic Groups Public interest groups

Ralph Nader

Issues and ideological groups National Right to Life Committee American Civil Liberties Union

Government interest groups National League of Cities

How Interest Groups How Interest Groups Achieve Their GoalsAchieve Their Goals


Lobbying Provide information and expertise to public officials Try to convince officials to vote or act in a manner

favorable to their interest Essential part of the American political system Grassroots lobbying

Big Givers to CampaignsBig Givers to Campaigns


How Interest Groups How Interest Groups Achieve Their GoalsAchieve Their Goals


Supporting Candidates/Parties in Elections Provide financing, resources, and endorsements

Litigation Initiate lawsuits and file amicus curiae briefs

Persuasion Campaigns Use media campaigns to persuade the public

chapter 11 interest groups. learning objectives copyright © 2014 cengage learning 2 assess the...

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