Interest Groups

Federal Budget Basics

Constitutional roots

Congress shall make no law…abridging …the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

--First Amendment

Interest Groups

• Definition: groups that have organized to try to affect government policy.– (And don’t run candidates for office)

Examples of interest groups?

• American Civil Liberties Union • The Christian Coalition • National Rifle Association • National Organization for Women • The Sierra Club • A.A.R.P. (American Association of Retired Persons)• National Right to Life Committee • National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League • The Concord Coalition • The Federalist Society • American Association of Manufacturers • Pharmalogical Manufacturers Association of America

Freewrite

What are your impressions of interest groups? Where do those impressions come from?

Do you think the system fair to all groups, or do some groups have a disproportionate say over public policy? Why do you think that is the case?

Lobbying in the policymaking process

• Case study: the AARP

• Influence from Huge membership

Interest Groups in the Policymaking Process

• Problem definition– Studies and research reports– Drafting legislation

• Agendasetting– Polls, press releases, press conferences

Lobbying in the policymaking process

Lobbying

• Informal participation• Formal participation (testifying)• Astroturf lobbying (generating mail)• Demonstrations• Going Public (HIAA-Harry and Louise)• Giving money to candidates (not all groups do!)

Campaign Finance

• PACs (Political Action Committees)

• Must raise money from 50 people (+)

• Must contribute to at least 5 candidates

• Maximum $5000 contribution per campaign

• All public information

Implementation

• Reacting to proposed rules– The Federal Register– Testifying

• Informal lobbying

Interpretation

• Filing court cases to challenge laws

• Filing amicus briefs

Lobbying as a bad word…

• Money buys access

• Revolving Door grants access

• Meals, travel and gifts

• Private bills, contracts, loopholes