Interest groups

What are interest groups?

An organized group whose central political goal is to ensure that the state follows certain policies

What are the major types of interest groups?

1. Sectoral

2. Promotional

3. Institutional

What is lobbying

When representatives of the group meet with officials regarding a law or regulation

What might politicians gain from lobbying

Specialized information from stakeholders and consent + cooperation

Other ways of lobbying?

Use of economic power, “Outside lobbying” through members, Electoral politics, Control of information and expertise, Public information campaignsm Coalitions with other groups, Litigation, Demonstration, sometimes violence

Logic of collective action?

Group activity = public good → free-riding → some groups don't form (esp. large ones). Solution: selective benefits.​

3 implications of collective action problem?

1. Some interests unorganized. 2. Small/privileged/concentrated groups advantaged. 3. Inequality in agenda-setting + preference attainment.

Producer vs consumer groups?

• Producers (small, concentrated) → more organized/influential.

• Consumers (large, diffuse) → freeriding/under-organized.​

Pluralism model of interest groups?

Groups compete for influence; govt = passive role; outcomes depend on the balance of pressures; assumes open access and level playing field.

Neo-corporatism model?

Govt actively/formally involves groups in policy-making (tripartism); needs a consensual spirit.