Chapter 9: Interest Groups

Interest Group

Organization seeking to influence policy

Linkage Institution

Institution connecting people to government (media, parties, interest groups)

Types of Interest Groups

Business groups, labor unions, single-issue groups, public interest groups

Business Groups

Represent corporate interests

Labor Unions

Represent workers

Single-Issue Groups

Focus on one policy area

Mass Associations

Open to individuals as members

Peak Associations

Groups of businesses or organizations

Centralized Groups

Strong national leadership controls member groups

Confederations

Independent local groups from larger associations

Free Rider Problem

People benefit without contributing

Selective Incentives

Benefits available only to contributors

Material Benefits

Tangible rewards

Solidary Benefits

Social rewards

Purposive Benefits

Satisfaction from supporting a cause

Coercion

Forcing participation to overcome free riding

Checkbook Membership

Joining by donating money only

Lobbying

Trying to influence policy

Direct Lobbying

Direct communication with officials

Indirect Lobbying

Mobilizing the public to pressure officials

Grassroots Lobbying

Citizen-based pressure

Astroturf Lobbying

Fake grassroots efforts organized by groups

Insider Strategies

Working directly with government (testimony, research, litigation)

Outsider Strategies

Mobilizing public opinion (advertising, protests)

Amicus Curiae Brief

“Friend of the court” brief submitted in court cases

Revolving Door

Movement of officials between government and lobbying

SuperPAC

Independent PACs allowed unlimited spending