unit 3

Pluralist theory

Political power is spread among many competing interest groups; no single group dominates.

Elite theory

Political power is concentrated in the hands of a small, wealthy, influential elite.

Interest group

A group that seeks to influence public policy without running candidates for office.

Solidary incentives

Social rewards for joining an interest group, like friendships and belonging.

Material incentives

Tangible rewards such as discounts, money, or benefits for joining a group.

Purposive incentives

Incentives based on belief in the group’s goals or cause.

Economic incentives

Benefits related to a member’s profession or industry.

Legislative ratings

Scorecards showing how often lawmakers vote with an interest group.

Lobbying

Direct attempts to influence policymakers on behalf of an interest group.

Grassroots lobbying

Citizens directly contacting government officials to influence policy.

Litigation

Using the courts to influence policy outcomes.

Pluralist interest group theory

Political power comes from competition among diverse interest groups.

Disturbance theory

Interest groups form in response to changes or threats in the political system.

Public interest group

Groups that seek collective benefits (AARP, NAACP).

Economic interest group

Groups promoting financial or professional interests (AMA, AFL-CIO).

Single-issue group

Groups focused on one narrow issue; often uncompromising (NRA).

Free rider problem

People benefit from a group’s work without joining or contributing.

Earmark

Government funds directed to a specific district or project.

PAC

Political Action Committee that raises money for candidates on behalf of interest groups.

Revolving door

When former government officials become lobbyists.

Amicus curiae brief

A brief submitted by an interest group to inform the court of its position.

SIGs as factions

Madison’s idea that competing factions are limited by checks and balances.

SIG election influence

Endorsements, donations, ratings, GOTV efforts.

SIG policy influence

Providing information, lobbying, pressure, and money to lawmakers.

Importance of information

Groups with expertise have greater influence on policymaking.

Importance of organization

Well-funded, well-organized groups are more effective.

First Amendment protections

Freedom of speech, assembly, and petition support interest group activity.

AARP

Public interest group for people 50+.

NAACP

Public interest group advocating for civil rights.

AMA

Economic interest group representing doctors and medicine.

NRA

Single-issue group promoting gun rights.

AFL-CIO

Large labor union representing workers.

Emily’s List

Group supporting pro-choice Democratic women candidates.

Tea Party

Movement supporting low taxes, limited government, states’ rights.

Media conglomerate

A large company owning many media outlets.

Media consolidation

Fewer companies owning more media, reducing viewpoint diversity.

Narrowcasting

Targeting media content to specific demographic groups.

Press conference

Elected official speaks directly to the press on any topic.

Press release

Official written statement given to reporters.

On the record

Everything said can be quoted and attributed to the source.

Off the record

Nothing said may be printed or attributed.

On background

Information may be used but not attributed by name.

On deep background

Information may be used but must be entirely anonymous.

Libel

Published false statement harming someone's reputation; requires actual malice.

Prior restraint

Government cannot censor speech before it is published.

NYT v. US (1971)

Government cannot prevent publication of classified info (Pentagon Papers).

NYT v. Sullivan (1964)

Public figures must prove actual malice to claim libel.

Agenda setting

Media influences which issues the public sees as important.

Watchdog role

Media monitors government and exposes wrongdoing.

Media influence

Media affects issue salience, public opinion, and policy agenda.

Media political leanings

News reporting slightly liberal; talk radio mostly conservative.

Conservative media

FOX News, Drudge Report.

Liberal media

MSNBC, CNN, Huffington Post.

Talk radio

Heavily conservative political commentary.

Wire services

AP and Reuters; provide raw news to outlets.

Horserace journalism

Focus on polls and strategy instead of policy.

Birth of national magazines

Nation, Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s created national political discussion.

Birth of newspapers

Early newspapers were partisan; shaped political identity.

Yellow journalism

Sensationalized reporting used to attract readers.

How Congress gets media attention

Extreme positions, leadership roles, conflict, key committees.

Why broadcast is regulated

Public airwaves are limited and government-owned.