Interest Groups and Political Influence

Flashcards covering key concepts related to interest groups, their influence on public policy, and the various types and strategies used.

interest group

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy.

lobbyist

A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group.

free rider problem

The tendency of individuals to avoid contributing to public goods.

public good

Something of value that all individuals share, whether or not they contribute to it (such as clean air or water).

incentive

Something of value one cannot get without joining an organization.

solidary incentives

The social rewards (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship) that lead people to join political organizations.

material incentives

Money or things valued in monetary terms.

purposive incentive

A benefit that comes from serving a cause or principle.

ideological interest groups

Political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political convictions or principles.

public-interest lobby

A political organization whose goals will principally benefit nonmembers.

social movement

A widely shared demand for change in some aspect of the social or political order.

political cue

A signal telling a legislator what values are at stake in a vote, and how the issue fits into the legislator’s own political views or party agenda.

ratings

Assessments of a representative’s voting record on issues important to an interest group.

earmark

A provision in a law that provides a direct benefit to a client without the benefit having been reviewed on the merits by all of Congress.

grassroots lobbying

Using the general public (rather than lobbyists) to contact government officials about a public policy.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that collect and distribute funds to political campaigns.

revolving door

The movement of individuals between the public sector and private sector jobs.

client politics

A situation in which a group seeks a specific benefit for its constituents, and the costs are spread across a large number of people.

entrepreneurial politics

A situation where a small group benefits while the costs of the policy will be distributed widely.

lobbying

The act of attempting to influence the actions, policies, or decisions of government officials.

grassroots mobilization

Efforts to organize and encourage public involvement in advocating for a particular issue.

first amendment

The amendment to the Constitution that protects freedom of speech and assembly, including the activities of interest groups.

amendments on lobbying

Legislation that regulates lobbyists and their influence in political processes.

public-interest law firms

Organizations that use litigation to advocate for issues affecting the public.

Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946)

• Registration Requirements: Groups and individuals looking to influence legislation must register with:

  • The Secretary of the Senate.

  • The Clerk of the House.

• Financial Reporting: Required to file quarterly financial reports.

• Supreme Court's Stance: Upheld the law but limited its application to lobbying efforts that involve direct contacts with Congress members.

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

established that spending for political purposes is protected speech, allowing individuals to spend unlimited personal funds when not accepting federal funds.