chapter 11 interest groups. learning objectives copyright © 2014 cengage learning 2 assess the...
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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
Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives
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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
Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives
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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
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What Is an Interest Group? Organization of people
with shared goals Tries to influence
public policy Way to advance their
interest
Pluralism and the Pluralism and the Interest Group SystemInterest Group System
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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
Pluralism and the Pluralism and the Interest Group SystemInterest Group System
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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
Pluralism and the Pluralism and the Interest Group SystemInterest Group System
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Pluralism and the Pluralism and the Interest Group SystemInterest Group System
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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
Pluralism and the Pluralism and the Interest Group SystemInterest Group System
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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
Pluralism and the Pluralism and the Interest Group SystemInterest Group System
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Social Movements Many movements have been propelled by
interest group activities Civil rights Women’s rights
Movements have been Political Economic Social
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Interest Groups in ActionInterest Groups in Action
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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
Interest Groups in ActionInterest Groups in Action
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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
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Interest Groups in ActionInterest Groups in Action
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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
Interest Groups in ActionInterest Groups in Action
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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
Interest Groups in ActionInterest Groups in Action
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Reasons for membership Material benefits Purposive benefits Solidary benefits
Interest Groups in ActionInterest Groups in Action
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How Interest Groups How Interest Groups Achieve Their GoalsAchieve Their Goals
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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