This document discusses interest groups, which are organizations that attempt to influence government decision-making. It notes that interest groups can help address issues like collective action problems. There are different types of interest groups, including economic groups, public interest groups, and think tanks. Lobbyists represent interest groups to government officials. Political action committees raise money to influence elections. Recent Supreme Court rulings have increased the role of money in politics. Interest groups engage in both insider lobbying of Congress as well as outsider efforts to shape public opinion. There is a debate around the representational inequalities and influence that interest groups, especially those with greater resources, may wield.

1. Interest Groups …with apologies to President Obama

2. What Are Interest Groups?Interest GroupsOrganizations outside the government that attempt to influence the government’s behavior, decision-making, and allocation of resources

3. Alexis de Tocqueville“The liberty of association has become a necessary guarantee against the tyranny of the majority…I am therefore led to conclude that the right of association is almost as inalienable as the right of personal liberty”

4. AssociationIndividuals can create groups in order to seek a common goal

5. Seeking a Public GoodWhat is the collective action obstacle?How can we overcome it?

6. Benefits of Interest GroupsHelp address the Free-rider problem:“public goods can be enjoyed by everyone, including people who do not pay their fair share of the cost of providing those goods”Provide selective benefits, organize efforts, give “do-getters” an outlet

7. Theodore LowiInterest groups relieve governmentWrite legislation, educate Congressmen, provide research, etc.Without interest groups, Congress could be even more stagnated

8. Pluralist PerspectiveDahlGroups are inevitable at all rangesWill balance each other out

9. Types of InterestPublic(citizen’s groups) – focus on community well-beingPrivateFocus on benefits for a fraction of the communityGenerally economically motivated

10. Some Interest Groups…EconomicAmerican Medical Association (a professional association); Labor UnionsPublic InterestAARP, NRA, Sierra ClubThink TanksBrookings InstitutionGovernmental UnitsNational Governors Association

11. LobbyistsThose paid to represent interest groups before government officials and institutions

12. Political Action CommitteePolitical organizations created to raise and spend money to influence electoral outcomes

13. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2009)1st Amendment protects of free speech extends to businesses and organizationsCongress cannot limit campaign donations

14. Obama, on the decision…“a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans.”

15. Open Secretshttp://www.opensecrets.org/

16. Barack Obama

17. John McCain

20. Obama, on public financing (2007) “My plan requires both major party candidates to agree on a fundraising truce, return excess money from donors, and stay within the public financing system for the general election. My proposal followed announcements by some presidential candidates that they would forgo public financing so they could raise unlimited funds in the general election. The Federal Election Commission ruled the proposal legal, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has already pledged to accept this fundraising pledge. If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”

21. Campaign spending

22. If no PACs or public finance, where does the money come from?White House Spokesman Ben Labolt:Obama "didn't accept a dime from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists…He raised $750 million from nearly 4 million Americans,"

23. Goldman-Sachs Donations

24. University of California How do we feel about a university donating to a political campaign?

26. What do lobbyists do?Inside v. Outside GameInside “old breed lobbying”Lobby CongressLobby executive office

27. CNN “In the 2008 election, three out of every four dollars contributed by Goldman Sachs went to Democrats.“Since the 2008 election, FEC reports indicate that Goldman Sachs has contributed generously to Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee members. The two panels are responsible for oversight of the industry.”

28. Inside v. OutsideOutside Game“New breed lobbying”Mobilize membershipTarget districtsShape public opinionPublish research resultsAdvertiseGet the media, blogs on boardPACs

29. Instruments of Democracy?Representational InequalitiesE.E. Schattschneider – upper class biasResource InequalitiesRepresentatives/ Senators: $170k/yearLobbyists previously serving: $300k +

30. Do PACs influence voting?Mitch McConnell:“Prove it”

31. “Revolving Door”Personnel “revolve” between government bureaucracy and lobby groups

32. Obama CampaignShut the revolving doorDisqualify lobbyists from eligibility for political appointments

33. politifact.com