Pearson LongmanPoliticalScienceInteract

iveShea, Green, and Smith

Living Democracy, Second Edition

Chapter 13:Interest Groups

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Interest Groups

Motivation to Join Interest Groups

Single-issue interest groups

Multi-issue interest groups

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Pathways of Action: LULAC

League of United Latin American CitizensFounded 1929 700 councils, 115,000 members Successful in advocating for LatinosProvides services, encourages volunteerism

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Functions of Interest Groups in a Democratic Society

1. Represent constituents2. Provide means of

political participation3. Educate the public4. Agenda building5. Serving as government

watchdogs

Five functions of interest groups in the United States

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

The Interest Group Explosion

• 1959: 5,843

• 1970: 10,308

• 1980: 14,726

• Mid-1990s: 22,200

Why has there been such a large growth in interest groups over the last 40 years?

Number of national-level interest group organizations

in the United States

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Types of Interest Groups

Economic Groups Public Interest Groups

Think Tanks and Universities

Governmental Units

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Difficulties in Mobilization

Mancur Olson, The Logic of Collective Action (1971)– Free-rider problem– Cost of group

formation– Lack of a sense of

political efficacy

What are some of the barriers to collective action?

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Overcoming Organizational Barriers

Selective benefits can be used to overcome organizational barriers

Material benefits

Solidary benefits

Purposive benefits

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Overcoming Organizational Barriers

Membership Required

Unions are a good example.

Some employers make agreements to only hire union workers.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

The Role of Interest Group Leaders

Cesar Chavez and the UFW

Grew up as a migrant worker1962, organized National Farm Workers Association UFW formed from NFWA and other organizations Led march across California Hunger strike

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Pathways of Change From Around the World:Kris Woodall

Worked with Richard Ellarby to found the Coalition of Hull’s Young PeopleWorked to change city ordinances, and to help an Afghani asylum seeker

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Inside and Outside Lobbying

Inside Lobbying

Openly appealing to public officials in the

legislature and executive branches. Involves “gaining access”

to an insider in the lawmaking process.

Outside Lobbying

Appealing directly to the public in order to influence officials. 90

percent of interest groups engage in this

type of lobbying.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Student Profile: Alia Alnahas

High school student2006, founded United Student ActivistsPeace through nonviolent political action, healthy energy sources, healthy environment

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Pathways Profile: Recording Artists Coalition

Founded in 1998 by Don

Henley and Sheryl Crow Represents recording artists Uses legal pathways, grassroots mobilization, and public events

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Grassroots Mobilization PathwayGrassroots

Mobilization

The identification, recruitment,

and mobilization

of constituent-

based political strength capable of influencing political decisions.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Traditional Tactics

1. Direct contact2. Direct mail3. Events and

activities4. Mass demonstrations5. Boycotts6. Litigation

Grassroots Mobilization Pathway

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Newer Tools

1. Advertorials2. Advertising3. Sponsored

television shows4. Blogs5. Email campaigns6. Use of Internet to

organize

Grassroots Mobilization Pathway

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Campaign Activities

Most interest groups take part in electoral politics by rating

and endorsing candidates.

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

Interest Group Influence

Shea, Green, and Smith, Living Democracy, Second Edition Copyright 2009 Pearson Longman

Chapter 13: Interest Groups

The Importance of Money in Mobilization

Uses of Money – Money is needed to recruit members, hire staff, rent offices, pay overhead, and raise additional funds.– Groups with large resources often have an advantage.

Fundraising Tactics– Dues from members, direct mailings, direct contact, personal appeals, Internet fundraising, and sale of goods and services