110 likes | 232 Vues
Interest groups play a crucial role in the U.S. political system, defined as organized groups aiming to influence government policy without running candidates for office. Examples include the ACLU, NRA, and AARP. These groups engage in lobbying through various tactics such as drafting legislation, conducting polls, and providing testimonies. The implementation of campaign finance laws further enables these groups to contribute financially to candidates. Understanding their influence is vital in recognizing how they affect the policymaking process and react to proposed regulations.
E N D
Constitutional roots Congress shall make no law…abridging …the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. --First Amendment
Interest Groups • Definition: groups that have organized to try to affect government policy. • (And don’t run candidates for office)
Examples of interest groups? • American Civil Liberties Union • The Christian Coalition • National Rifle Association • National Organization for Women • The Sierra Club • A.A.R.P. (American Association of Retired Persons) • National Right to Life Committee • National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League • The Concord Coalition • The Federalist Society • American Association of Manufacturers • Pharmalogical Manufacturers Association of America
Lobbying in the policymaking process • Case study: the AARP • Influence from Huge membership
Interest Groups in the Policymaking Process • Problem definition • Studies and research reports • Drafting legislation • Agendasetting • Polls, press releases, press conferences
Lobbying in the policymaking process Lobbying • Informal participation • Formal participation (testifying) • Astroturf lobbying (generating mail) • Demonstrations • Going Public (HIAA-Harry and Louise) • Giving money to candidates (not all groups do!)
Campaign Finance • PACs (Political Action Committees) • Must raise money from 50 people (+) • Must contribute to at least 5 candidates • Maximum $5000 contribution per campaign • All public information
Implementation • Reacting to proposed rules • The Federal Register • Testifying • Informal lobbying
Interpretation • Filing court cases to challenge laws • Filing amicus briefs
Lobbying as a bad word… • Money buys access • Revolving Door grants access • Meals, travel and gifts • Private bills, contracts, loopholes