Interest GroupsWilson 11 A

Who Governs To What Ends

Objective Questions

Do interest groups dominate government, and is any particular lobby politically unbeatable?

Why do people join interest groups?

Is the proliferation of PACs and other groups good or bad for America’s representative democracy?

Should interest groups’ political activities be restricted by law?

K StreetRow of office-buildings in DC

Home of interest groups and lobbiesMany cleavages between peopleMany entry points into the systemMany opportunities open by weak parties

Birth of Interest GroupsBegan with independenceExploded in the 1960/70s

Broad economic developmentsFarmers, Unions

Government PoliciesWars, Professional Organizations

Strong LeadershipSocial Movements, Education, Religious Revivals

Expanding Role of Government

Institutional OrganizationsNon-member groups

Lead by DC lawyers and public relations expertsRepresents business and trade associationsGovernments, foundations, universitiesSmall and specific or large and general

Membership OrganizationsAmerica is a nation of joiners

ReligiousCivicPolitical

Political efficacyCivic duty

What is the incentive?

Incentives Solidary – social rewards

LocalPTAAmerican LegionLeague of Women Voters

Material – money, goods and servicesFarm Bureaus AARPNEA

Purposive – causes or principles

Ideological Interest GroupsCoherent and controversial principlesPurposive

Public Citizen (Nader)Sierra Club (Muir)ACLU

Public Interest – benefits nonmembersMost publicTiming

Staff InfluenceMore influence in solidary and material groupsDifferent than membersPublicity for purposive groups

Contacts with mediaPublic press releasesCrisis lobbies