5-1: Introduction to Interest Groups

Traditional Democratic Theory

Policies based on majority will

Minority rights protected

Who holds the power today?

Pluralist Theory

Many groups compete for influence

Large number of access points (federalism)

Policies emerge from bargaining and compromise

Equal access

If no money, groups can use litigation

Hyperpluralist Theory

Too many interest groups

Politicians try to appease all

Policies become confusing and contradictory

Anti-smoking campaign

Tobacco subsidies

Subgovernments (Iron Triangles)

Revolving door

Elite Theory

Policy dominated by the super-rich, corporations, and financial interests

Close connection of money and power due to PACs

2008 recession

Small stimulus checks vs. enormous bailouts

Overview

Interest Group

Organization whose members share policy views on specific issues

Operate at every level of government

Attempt to influence public policy to their benefit

-Typically through money

Overview

As a Linkage Institution

Express members’ preferences to government

Convey policy information to members

Raise and spend money to influence policymakers

Difference from Political Parties

Politicians

Parties

-seek to gain power

Interest Groups

-seek to influence policies

-support sympathetic candidates

Difference from Political Parties

Issues

Parties

-generalists

-appeal to wide range of voters

Interest Groups

-specific issues that affect their members

-better able to articulate clear policy positions

Difference from Political Parties

Accountability

Parties

-elections make them accountable to the public

Interest Groups

-private organizations only accountable to their members

Growth of Interest Groups

Prevalence

Began as business and labor organizations

Now include environmental, consumer, and political groups

Multi-trillion dollar U.S. budget means most organizations want representation and influence over how money is spent and laws are enacted

Growth of Interest Groups

Factors

Broad economic development

Emergence of strong leaders

Expanding role of government