Chapter 10 - interest groups

Mass association

An interest group that has a large number of dues-paying individuals as members. Not all mass associations give members a say in selecting a group leader or determining its mission.

Solidary Beliefs

Satisfaction, derived from experience of working with like-minded people, even if groups efforts do not achieve desired impact

Direct lobbying

Attempts to influence policy by speaking with elected officials or bureaucrats directly

Inside strategies vs. outside strategies

inside strategies Tactics used within Washington DC by interest groups to achieve their policy goals

whereas outside strategies are the tactics employed outside Washington DC by interest groups seeking to achieve their policy goals.

Amicus Curiae briefs

documents written by people or groups who aren’t Involved in a case, but want to help the court by sharing information or opinions that might influence the decision

Astroturf lobbying

when a group pretends that a cause has widespread support from ordinary people, but it’s actually created and controlled by special interests.

Grassroots Lobbying

when regular people come together to influence lawmakers by taking action, like writing letters, signing, petitions, or protesting.

501 (c)(3) organizations

tax exempt nonprofits organized for charitable, educational, religious , or scientific purposes. Most interest groups are organized as these because they focus on advocacy and educating the public on specific issues. They cannot participate in political campaigning and donations to them are tax deductible.

Dark money

A political spending by groups that do not have to reveal their donors, often used to influence elections without transparency.

initiative vs. referendum

Initiative: People create the law (citizens propose a law, and vote on it)

referendum: People approve or reject a law (voters approve or reject law already passed by the government)

purposive benefits

Satisfaction, derived from experience of working towards desired goals, even if goals, not achieved

selective incentives

benefits that can motivate participation, such as member services by interest groups.

revolving door

The practice of moving from government positions to working for interest, groups or lobbying firms.

Iron triangle

Informational alliances of Congress, bureaucrats, and interest groups, designed to let these groups and individuals dominate the policy, making process in a particular area.

confederations

A group of independent units (like states or organizations) that work together for certain purposes, but each unit keeps most of its power.

centralized groups

These are organizations were decisions are made by a central authority, rather than individual members.

Peak Association

an interest group whose members are businesses or other organizations rather than individuals.

trade association

A group of businesses in the same industry that work together to promote their common interests.

lobbying

Persuasion to convince an elected official or bureaucrat to help enact law, craft a regulation, or do something else that a group wants.

electioneering

involves supporting candidates for election - The act of campaigning to influence the result of an election in favor of a particular candidate