Definition: An organization whose goal is to influence government. It is an $8 billion-dollar industry with an estimated 200,000+ interest groups in operation. Approximately 90,000 professionals lobby the U.S. government, with 12,000 registered with Congress.
3 in 4 are groups public advocacy/citizen groups; remainder represent corporate interests
What Interest Groups Do
Inform stakeholders: Provide information to members/other stakeholders about important issues.
Communicate views: Communicate policy positions of members to elected leaders/bureaucracy.
Mobilize public: Organize protest and advocacy campaigns to influence elected leaders.
Theories about Interest Groups in Democracy
Pluralism: An open, participatory style of government in which many different interests are represented.
Hyperpluralism: The collective effect of the vast number of interest groups in slowing the process of policymaking.
Power elite theory: A view that a small handful of wealthy, influential Americans exercises extensive control over government decisions.
Types of Interest Groups
Business Groups: Alphabet, Exxon, Bank of America
Labor Groups/Unions: AFL-CIO, Fraternal Order of Police, UAW
Trade or private associations: American Bar Association, National Association of Realtors, American Medical Association
Citizens/Public Interest Groups: NRA, M4BL, US Palestinian Council
Intergovernmental Groups: US Conference of Mayors, NCLS, NGA
Benefits to Group Members
Material benefits: Items distributed by public interest groups to members as incentives.
Expressive benefits: Values or deeply held beliefs that inspire individuals to join a public group.
Solidarity benefits: Feelings of shared commitment and purpose experienced by members.
What Lobbyists Do
Research
Witness/provide testimony
Assert positions
Build coalitions
Socialize
Organize issue campaigns (grassroots or elite-led)
How Lobbying Congress Works
Iron triangle: A cozy relationship in one issue area between interest-group lobbyists, congressional staffers, and executive branch agencies.
Issue network: Shifting alliances of public and private interest groups, lawmakers, and other stakeholders all focused on the same policy area.
Revolving door: The tendency of many Washington lobbyists to move from government work to lobbying and back again.
How Lobbying the Courts Works
Judicial nominations
Amicus Curiae briefs
Sponsoring litigation
Interest Group Spending
The transcript includes a graph depicting interest group spending over the years 2000-2018.