posi 3 #1

How do interest groups promote civic participation?

They offer ways to act collectively, involve individuals in politics, engage communities, and offer an alternative to the two-party system.

Types of direct political participation

Volunteering on a campaign, running for office, and voting.

Role of PACs (Political Action Committees)

They raise and spend money to influence elections; they heavily favor incumbents.

Incumbent advantage

Approximately 95% of incumbents are reelected.

Types of interest groups

Business (Business Roundtable), Professional (AMA), Labor (AFL-CIO), Farm (AFBF), Public Interest (Common Cause), and Single Issue (NARAL).

Who is over-represented in interest groups?

The wealthy, educated, white, and upper-middle class.

Free rider

Someone who benefits from the actions of an interest group without contributing or joining.

How lobbies influence the three branches

Direct lobbying for Legislators, Indirect lobbying for the Public, and Amicus Curiae briefs for the Courts.

Iron Triangle

The three-way intersection of mutual interests between interest groups, government officials, and members of Congress.

Direct Lobbying

Engaging lawmakers through public relations, face-to-face meetings, and providing specialized information.

Indirect Lobbying

Engaging the public through grassroots mobilization, coalition building, and molding public opinion.

Grassroots Mobilization

The practice of using outreach to build favorable public opinion on a specific matter of interest.

Amicus curiae briefs

"Friend of the court" briefs filed by interest groups to influence judicial decisions.

AFL-CIO

A primary example of an Organized Labor interest group.

Common Cause

A primary example of a Public Interest group