The document discusses theories about how interest groups influence public policymaking. It describes pluralism, where many diverse interest groups compete to influence government. However, some groups have more resources and connections, potentially tilting policy in their favor. Neo-corporatism involves structured cooperation between major interest groups like businesses, unions, and government to pursue shared economic goals, as seen in Scandinavian countries. Both theories have critics, and most real-world systems incorporate elements of pluralism and neo-corporatism depending on a country's unique political and historical context.
This document discusses the effectiveness of "naming and shaming" as a policy tool for enforcing international human rights law. It hypothesizes that less developed and autocratic states are more likely to violate human rights laws because they have less to lose from negative international reputation effects. The author aims to analyze if naming and shaming is less effective on these states compared to developed democracies that are more dependent on global economic participation. Prior research is examined that finds naming and shaming can sometimes increase violations or be strategically ignored. The study will consider political and economic characteristics that impact a state's responsiveness to such enforcement techniques.
This document discusses the nature and functions of political parties. It begins by explaining how political parties emerged from the expansion of suffrage and representative democracy in the 19th century. It then outlines some key characteristics of political parties, including that they are formal organizations that aim to control government power by winning elections. The document also summarizes the main functions of political parties, such as linking citizens to government, aggregating interests, recruiting elites, formulating goals, and mobilizing voters. It discusses the development of different types of political parties like mass parties, elite/cadre parties, and catch-all parties. Finally, it touches on classifying parties along an ideological left-right spectrum.
The document defines lobbying as attempting to influence government policy and legislation on behalf of a particular organization or special interest group. Lobbyists are people who try to influence legislation through advocacy and networking on behalf of their clients. Some of the most powerful lobbying groups in the US include the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, National Education Association, and National Association of Manufacturers. The American Nurses Association lobbies Congress on key issues affecting nurses such as nurse staffing, overtime regulations, education funding, workplace safety, and immigration policy.
lobbying is a part of the public relations. it helps in the promotion of some of the things. political leaders make a great impact in general public through the lobbying. they get their things done through the lobbying. there are some scams done through lobbying like 2g scam etc. it should be used for good not for bad.
The document discusses the contemporary crisis of legitimacy in legislation. It argues that a legitimacy crisis occurs when a government is unable to fulfill basic needs or exploits its people. In India specifically, there is a lack of respect for law due to widespread corruption. Politicians abuse power and prioritize group interests and inequity over equal distribution of resources. Other issues contributing to the legitimacy crisis include uneducated leaders, scandals, the involvement of criminals in politics, black money, and conflicts between different levels of government. The crisis represents an inability to envision and build the future.
Redd e portfolio assignment #1 nmp665 core coursereddle11
This document discusses key concepts regarding nonprofits and government including:
1) Nonprofits have legal requirements for incorporation at the state level and tax exemption status from the IRS. They must adhere to lobbying and reporting rules to maintain this status.
2) Nonprofits serve as advocates for the public interest but government funding and regulations can impact this role. Excessive lobbying or political activity could jeopardize their tax status.
3) Increased involvement with government in advocacy and services can affect nonprofits' operations and ability to fulfill their missions. CEOs must understand laws/regulations to determine optimal government involvement.
This document discusses concepts related to states, governments, and political parties. It defines key elements of a state as people, territory, government, sovereignty, and supreme power. A government is the organization that exercises authority over a state. Political parties exist to represent different interests and opinions in society and mediate conflicts in a democratic process. Parties articulate social interests, recruit politicians, and integrate various interests into a political program to gain majority support. They also socialize citizens and participate in elections to gain political power. Intra-party democracy and transparent financing are important for legitimate party functions in a democratic system.
This document discusses the effectiveness of "naming and shaming" as a policy tool for enforcing international human rights law. It hypothesizes that less developed and autocratic states are more likely to violate human rights laws because they have less to lose from negative international reputation effects. The author aims to analyze if naming and shaming is less effective on these states compared to developed democracies that are more dependent on global economic participation. Prior research is examined that finds naming and shaming can sometimes increase violations or be strategically ignored. The study will consider political and economic characteristics that impact a state's responsiveness to such enforcement techniques.
This document discusses the nature and functions of political parties. It begins by explaining how political parties emerged from the expansion of suffrage and representative democracy in the 19th century. It then outlines some key characteristics of political parties, including that they are formal organizations that aim to control government power by winning elections. The document also summarizes the main functions of political parties, such as linking citizens to government, aggregating interests, recruiting elites, formulating goals, and mobilizing voters. It discusses the development of different types of political parties like mass parties, elite/cadre parties, and catch-all parties. Finally, it touches on classifying parties along an ideological left-right spectrum.
The document defines lobbying as attempting to influence government policy and legislation on behalf of a particular organization or special interest group. Lobbyists are people who try to influence legislation through advocacy and networking on behalf of their clients. Some of the most powerful lobbying groups in the US include the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, National Education Association, and National Association of Manufacturers. The American Nurses Association lobbies Congress on key issues affecting nurses such as nurse staffing, overtime regulations, education funding, workplace safety, and immigration policy.
lobbying is a part of the public relations. it helps in the promotion of some of the things. political leaders make a great impact in general public through the lobbying. they get their things done through the lobbying. there are some scams done through lobbying like 2g scam etc. it should be used for good not for bad.
The document discusses the contemporary crisis of legitimacy in legislation. It argues that a legitimacy crisis occurs when a government is unable to fulfill basic needs or exploits its people. In India specifically, there is a lack of respect for law due to widespread corruption. Politicians abuse power and prioritize group interests and inequity over equal distribution of resources. Other issues contributing to the legitimacy crisis include uneducated leaders, scandals, the involvement of criminals in politics, black money, and conflicts between different levels of government. The crisis represents an inability to envision and build the future.
Redd e portfolio assignment #1 nmp665 core coursereddle11
This document discusses key concepts regarding nonprofits and government including:
1) Nonprofits have legal requirements for incorporation at the state level and tax exemption status from the IRS. They must adhere to lobbying and reporting rules to maintain this status.
2) Nonprofits serve as advocates for the public interest but government funding and regulations can impact this role. Excessive lobbying or political activity could jeopardize their tax status.
3) Increased involvement with government in advocacy and services can affect nonprofits' operations and ability to fulfill their missions. CEOs must understand laws/regulations to determine optimal government involvement.
This document discusses concepts related to states, governments, and political parties. It defines key elements of a state as people, territory, government, sovereignty, and supreme power. A government is the organization that exercises authority over a state. Political parties exist to represent different interests and opinions in society and mediate conflicts in a democratic process. Parties articulate social interests, recruit politicians, and integrate various interests into a political program to gain majority support. They also socialize citizens and participate in elections to gain political power. Intra-party democracy and transparent financing are important for legitimate party functions in a democratic system.
The document discusses the history and current state of whistleblower protection laws in India. It outlines Daniel Ellsberg's whistleblowing on the Pentagon Papers and the retaliation he faced. It then discusses proposals over the years to establish whistleblower protection laws in India, including a 1999 Law Commission report and a 2004 Central Vigilance Commission resolution. However, India still lacks comprehensive whistleblower protection legislation. The document argues such laws are needed to deter corruption and protect those who expose wrongdoing.
This document outlines a presentation on public policy. It discusses three types of policy, three arenas where policy is made, and three types of policymakers. It describes the policy process and five ways that elected bodies make policy, including lawmaking, budgeting, rulemaking, oversight, and sunset reviews. It emphasizes that citizens and groups can influence policy by understanding the process and participating through contacting elected officials, organizing, protests, and other civic engagement activities.
Lloyd Pierre-Louis presented "2015 Ohio Ballot Issues" to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission on October 27, 2015.
The presentation discussed important issues on the ballot for Ohio voters.
This document discusses the challenges facing the Philippine political party system. It argues that the current system, with its lack of clear rules and definitions, has led parties to prioritize patronage and personality over representation and policy. This has damaged democracy by reducing elections to choosing the "least evil" candidate and preventing meaningful policy choices. The document examines what functions true political parties should serve and compares this to the reality in the Philippines. It concludes that reforming the institutional context for parties, such as establishing clearer rules and responsibilities through a political party law, could help parties better fulfill their democratic roles by reducing arbitrariness and money-focused campaigns.
The document discusses the roles and influence of interest groups in the US political system. It defines interest groups as collections of people who work to shape public policy to their benefit on issues they share views on. Interest groups try to influence policymaking and public opinion through both direct lobbying of government officials and indirect grassroots efforts. They employ tactics like contributing to political campaigns, conducting propaganda, and mobilizing their members to contact elected representatives.
This document discusses different models of political participation including getting elected, campaigning, voting, contacting groups, and protesting. It also examines the linkages between citizens and the government through political institutions like parties, interest groups, elections, and media. It asks questions about how these institutions link citizens to the government and their roles in policymaking, specifically looking at how parties, interest groups, elections, Congress, the President, and courts all contribute to the political process.
The document provides an overview of key concepts in U.S. government and politics, including political culture, parties, elections, branches of government, interest groups, and policies/documents. Some key topics covered include political socialization, voting demographics, media influence, political ideologies, primary elections, the electoral college system, congressional committees, executive powers, Supreme Court cases, and the federal bureaucracy.
What are political parties? What are they for? How do you set up a political party? Are political parties in crisis? Parties not only have fewer and fewer members, they must have a leader and are no longer present locally. In 2014 Prof. Sabino Cassese began to talk about the ‘liquefaction of parties’.
Government chapter 1 section 1 powerpointHolmesGov
The document discusses several key concepts related to government and politics. It defines government as the institution that makes and enforces public policy. It also discusses the three basic powers of government - legislative, executive, and judicial. Additionally, it outlines four theories on the origins of the state and compares democracy to dictatorship. The purpose of the US government as stated in the preamble to the constitution is also summarized.
Americanpoliticalsystemppt 110919181530-phpapp01Wayne Williams
The document discusses several key concepts related to understanding American politics. It defines politics as the process of making collective decisions and allocating public resources. It also discusses institutions as codified constraints on behavior, including organizations within government and rules. The American political system is complex due to its federal nature with multiple branches and levels of government, as well as outside groups seeking to influence politics.
An overview of state and federal laws, rules and regulations that govern how boards and staff of community development corporations may influence public policy.
Political parties and interest groups (2)LOLITA GANDIA
The document discusses different types of political parties and interest groups. It defines political parties as voluntary associations that advocate certain policies and nominate candidates for election, while interest groups make claims on the government without running candidates. It contrasts their functions, with political parties seeking direct political power through elections and interest groups sometimes supporting parties but not running candidates. The document also discusses types of political systems, including two-party, multi-party, and one-party systems, outlining their advantages and disadvantages.
Public opinion plays an important role in politics. It is shaped by both internal psychological processes and external cultural and social influences. There are different classifications of the "public" based on their level of interest, from inattentive to highly engaged. Traditional methods of measuring public opinion include public opinion polls. The media also plays a key role in politics as the primary means of expressing and influencing public opinion. As the "fourth branch of government", the media serves important democratic functions like keeping politicians accountable and ensuring an informed citizenry.
This document provides an overview of the fundamentals of political science. It begins by defining politics as the activity through which people make, preserve and amend the general rules under which they live. It discusses different approaches to defining politics, including politics as the art of government, public affairs, compromise and consensus, and power. Key concepts of politics like power, order and justice are also explained. The document then discusses studying politics, including different methods and purposes as well as challenges in defining the subject. It outlines major subfields in political science like political theory, government and politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
This document discusses the concept of power through defining it, examining its various sources and types. It defines power as the ability to influence or control the behavior of others. Power can come from formal positions of authority, the ability to reward or punish others, expertise or knowledge, personality traits, or charisma. The document outlines several types of power including political power derived from government institutions, economic power from wealth and resources, ideological power through shaping beliefs, and military power through armed forces.
The document summarizes the history of corporate personhood in the United States, including key Supreme Court cases. It discusses how the 1886 Santa Clara County ruling established that corporations have rights as persons, and how the 2010 Citizens United decision found that restricting corporate political spending violates free speech rights. The decision is controversial as critics argue unlimited corporate money in elections undermines democracy, while supporters see it as protecting free speech. Proposals to reverse the decision include a constitutional amendment or campaign finance reform.
The document discusses political and legal environments. It describes different political systems ranging from democracy to totalitarianism. Democracy features freedom of expression, elections, term limits and an independent court system. Totalitarianism is defined as a system where a single entity monopolizes all political power. The document also discusses political risk and sources of risk for investments. Regarding legal environments, it outlines different legal systems including common law, civil law, theocratic law and customary law. Countries examples of each system are provided.
The document discusses various aspects of elections and campaigns in the United States, including:
1) Key terms like elections, campaigns, and the differences between congressional and presidential elections.
2) The nomination process for presidential candidates including primaries and conventions.
3) Factors that influence election outcomes such as incumbency, campaign funding, and gerrymandering.
4) Reforms to campaign finance laws and how money impacts elections.
This document discusses interest groups and lobbyists in Texas. It begins by stating that limits cannot be placed on the money companies and groups spend on lobbying because this money comes from voluntary donations, not taxes or the government. It then explains that lobbyists seek face time with legislators to influence them, and that some individuals join interest groups to play a larger role in the political process beyond just voting. The document also touches on how interest groups bring issues to the attention of legislators and apply pressure to advance their views.
The document discusses lobbying by the American Medical Association (AMA). It states that from 2007-2011, the AMA spent around $19 million annually on lobbying to influence legislation. In 2015, the AMA spent $6.72 million on lobbying through 15 lobbyists, but with limited success in swaying votes. Lobbying involves trying to influence political decisions through advocacy but cannot guarantee results.
The document discusses the history and current state of whistleblower protection laws in India. It outlines Daniel Ellsberg's whistleblowing on the Pentagon Papers and the retaliation he faced. It then discusses proposals over the years to establish whistleblower protection laws in India, including a 1999 Law Commission report and a 2004 Central Vigilance Commission resolution. However, India still lacks comprehensive whistleblower protection legislation. The document argues such laws are needed to deter corruption and protect those who expose wrongdoing.
This document outlines a presentation on public policy. It discusses three types of policy, three arenas where policy is made, and three types of policymakers. It describes the policy process and five ways that elected bodies make policy, including lawmaking, budgeting, rulemaking, oversight, and sunset reviews. It emphasizes that citizens and groups can influence policy by understanding the process and participating through contacting elected officials, organizing, protests, and other civic engagement activities.
Lloyd Pierre-Louis presented "2015 Ohio Ballot Issues" to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission on October 27, 2015.
The presentation discussed important issues on the ballot for Ohio voters.
This document discusses the challenges facing the Philippine political party system. It argues that the current system, with its lack of clear rules and definitions, has led parties to prioritize patronage and personality over representation and policy. This has damaged democracy by reducing elections to choosing the "least evil" candidate and preventing meaningful policy choices. The document examines what functions true political parties should serve and compares this to the reality in the Philippines. It concludes that reforming the institutional context for parties, such as establishing clearer rules and responsibilities through a political party law, could help parties better fulfill their democratic roles by reducing arbitrariness and money-focused campaigns.
The document discusses the roles and influence of interest groups in the US political system. It defines interest groups as collections of people who work to shape public policy to their benefit on issues they share views on. Interest groups try to influence policymaking and public opinion through both direct lobbying of government officials and indirect grassroots efforts. They employ tactics like contributing to political campaigns, conducting propaganda, and mobilizing their members to contact elected representatives.
This document discusses different models of political participation including getting elected, campaigning, voting, contacting groups, and protesting. It also examines the linkages between citizens and the government through political institutions like parties, interest groups, elections, and media. It asks questions about how these institutions link citizens to the government and their roles in policymaking, specifically looking at how parties, interest groups, elections, Congress, the President, and courts all contribute to the political process.
The document provides an overview of key concepts in U.S. government and politics, including political culture, parties, elections, branches of government, interest groups, and policies/documents. Some key topics covered include political socialization, voting demographics, media influence, political ideologies, primary elections, the electoral college system, congressional committees, executive powers, Supreme Court cases, and the federal bureaucracy.
What are political parties? What are they for? How do you set up a political party? Are political parties in crisis? Parties not only have fewer and fewer members, they must have a leader and are no longer present locally. In 2014 Prof. Sabino Cassese began to talk about the ‘liquefaction of parties’.
Government chapter 1 section 1 powerpointHolmesGov
The document discusses several key concepts related to government and politics. It defines government as the institution that makes and enforces public policy. It also discusses the three basic powers of government - legislative, executive, and judicial. Additionally, it outlines four theories on the origins of the state and compares democracy to dictatorship. The purpose of the US government as stated in the preamble to the constitution is also summarized.
Americanpoliticalsystemppt 110919181530-phpapp01Wayne Williams
The document discusses several key concepts related to understanding American politics. It defines politics as the process of making collective decisions and allocating public resources. It also discusses institutions as codified constraints on behavior, including organizations within government and rules. The American political system is complex due to its federal nature with multiple branches and levels of government, as well as outside groups seeking to influence politics.
An overview of state and federal laws, rules and regulations that govern how boards and staff of community development corporations may influence public policy.
Political parties and interest groups (2)LOLITA GANDIA
The document discusses different types of political parties and interest groups. It defines political parties as voluntary associations that advocate certain policies and nominate candidates for election, while interest groups make claims on the government without running candidates. It contrasts their functions, with political parties seeking direct political power through elections and interest groups sometimes supporting parties but not running candidates. The document also discusses types of political systems, including two-party, multi-party, and one-party systems, outlining their advantages and disadvantages.
Public opinion plays an important role in politics. It is shaped by both internal psychological processes and external cultural and social influences. There are different classifications of the "public" based on their level of interest, from inattentive to highly engaged. Traditional methods of measuring public opinion include public opinion polls. The media also plays a key role in politics as the primary means of expressing and influencing public opinion. As the "fourth branch of government", the media serves important democratic functions like keeping politicians accountable and ensuring an informed citizenry.
This document provides an overview of the fundamentals of political science. It begins by defining politics as the activity through which people make, preserve and amend the general rules under which they live. It discusses different approaches to defining politics, including politics as the art of government, public affairs, compromise and consensus, and power. Key concepts of politics like power, order and justice are also explained. The document then discusses studying politics, including different methods and purposes as well as challenges in defining the subject. It outlines major subfields in political science like political theory, government and politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
This document discusses the concept of power through defining it, examining its various sources and types. It defines power as the ability to influence or control the behavior of others. Power can come from formal positions of authority, the ability to reward or punish others, expertise or knowledge, personality traits, or charisma. The document outlines several types of power including political power derived from government institutions, economic power from wealth and resources, ideological power through shaping beliefs, and military power through armed forces.
The document summarizes the history of corporate personhood in the United States, including key Supreme Court cases. It discusses how the 1886 Santa Clara County ruling established that corporations have rights as persons, and how the 2010 Citizens United decision found that restricting corporate political spending violates free speech rights. The decision is controversial as critics argue unlimited corporate money in elections undermines democracy, while supporters see it as protecting free speech. Proposals to reverse the decision include a constitutional amendment or campaign finance reform.
The document discusses political and legal environments. It describes different political systems ranging from democracy to totalitarianism. Democracy features freedom of expression, elections, term limits and an independent court system. Totalitarianism is defined as a system where a single entity monopolizes all political power. The document also discusses political risk and sources of risk for investments. Regarding legal environments, it outlines different legal systems including common law, civil law, theocratic law and customary law. Countries examples of each system are provided.
The document discusses various aspects of elections and campaigns in the United States, including:
1) Key terms like elections, campaigns, and the differences between congressional and presidential elections.
2) The nomination process for presidential candidates including primaries and conventions.
3) Factors that influence election outcomes such as incumbency, campaign funding, and gerrymandering.
4) Reforms to campaign finance laws and how money impacts elections.
This document discusses interest groups and lobbyists in Texas. It begins by stating that limits cannot be placed on the money companies and groups spend on lobbying because this money comes from voluntary donations, not taxes or the government. It then explains that lobbyists seek face time with legislators to influence them, and that some individuals join interest groups to play a larger role in the political process beyond just voting. The document also touches on how interest groups bring issues to the attention of legislators and apply pressure to advance their views.
The document discusses lobbying by the American Medical Association (AMA). It states that from 2007-2011, the AMA spent around $19 million annually on lobbying to influence legislation. In 2015, the AMA spent $6.72 million on lobbying through 15 lobbyists, but with limited success in swaying votes. Lobbying involves trying to influence political decisions through advocacy but cannot guarantee results.
The document discusses interest groups and their influence on public policy. It explains that interest groups try to influence government policy through various methods like litigation, campaign contributions, and mass mobilization to achieve their policy goals. Some examples of major interest groups in the US discussed are the Sierra Club, National Rifle Association, NAACP, and AARP. The essay also explains how interest groups can strengthen their influence through membership numbers, expertise on issues, and forming linkages between citizens and government.
This document summarizes a presentation on civil society advocacy in Nigeria. It defines civil society types and advocacy, discussing key concepts like lobbying and different advocacy approaches. It outlines functions of legislators in lobbying and strategies for media advocacy campaigns. Civil society is described as complementing government work while holding stakeholders accountable. The media plays a key role in building awareness, generating action, and influencing policy. Effective advocacy requires considering the content, language, source, format, timing and place of any message.
This document discusses lobbying, including definitions, types of lobbyists, and strategies for effective lobbying. It notes that lobbying aims to influence political decisions by advocating on behalf of others to policymakers. Effective lobbying requires developing a clear plan of action, understanding opposing viewpoints, and following up after meetings. Timing, being concise, and maintaining professional relationships are also important aspects of lobbying. The document concludes by calling for lobbying in India to be regulated under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
The document discusses how money and lobbying influence democracy in problematic ways. It notes that while freedom of speech allows lobbying and interest groups, the influence of money skews the system in favor of wealthy corporations and industries. When a few groups have large financial resources and many have little, democracy is undermined. The document examines how lobbyists use money to form bonds with lawmakers and push for legislation benefiting their clients over ordinary citizens. This creates representation problems when elected officials listen more to wealthy groups.
Special interest groups drive the American political system.docxwrite5
Special interest groups play a major role in driving the American political system at all levels of government. They generate campaign funds and volunteers for politicians, who need these resources to get elected and pass legislation. These groups use tactics like lobbying, political donations, reports, and public relations campaigns to influence policymakers and further their agendas. While their goals may help certain constituencies, critics argue they can impede reforms that benefit consumers or society overall. There is no consensus on how to limit their impact under democratic principles of free speech and association.
This chapter introduces the topic of nonprofit advocacy and civic engagement. It discusses how nonprofits are uniquely positioned to advocate for policy changes due to their trusted relationships in communities. Advocacy is broader than lobbying and includes activities that support an issue without direct contact with legislators. Lobbying refers specifically to attempts to influence legislation. While advocacy and limited lobbying are permitted, nonprofits cannot endorse or oppose political candidates. The chapter urges nonprofits to recognize their role in addressing social challenges through policy advocacy and provides lessons on effective advocacy, including the importance of strategy, and primary tools of organizing, lobbying, and media advocacy.
The document provides an overview of a seminar on effective state government lobbying. It discusses:
1) The seminar covers methods, strategies, and skills for effective lobbying at the state level in legislatures and executive agencies.
2) Key aspects of effective legislative lobbying covered include assessing political strength, building infrastructure, crafting bills, working with staff, using procedures, gaining support, and motivating lawmakers.
3) Effective executive agency lobbying focuses on rulemaking, appeals processes, and technical/expert aspects of influencing agency decisions.
The document discusses interest groups and their influence on public policy. It describes interest groups as organized groups that try to influence policy at all levels of government. It then lists several factors that can be used to compare the power and influence of different interest groups, including their size, funding, information resources, and public image. The document goes on to discuss three main types of interest groups and how they work to pass legislation and influence public opinion through campaigns and lobbying.
We continually hear about interest groups in the news. Understanding.pdffeelinggift
We continually hear about interest groups in the news. Understanding this, what is the
relationship between interest groups and government? How does this apply to government-
created interest groups? In addition, what are the effects of bureaucrats as interest groups? Do
you believe this crossover between bureaucrats and interest groups to be right? Please be sure to
provide specific examples in your response.
No copy and paste or screenshot pictures also please cite your sources and provide a reference.
The answer must be 2 paragraphs please write out answer no copy and Paste or screenshot
pictures !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Solution
Interest groups are policy maximisers who are generally a group of people who try to influence
the public policy with common interest or goal. These interest groups pressures elected parties to
enact legislation favourable to its causes with common interest.
Government generally does not create interest groups. The interst groups which are having
interst on government activities are called special interst interest groups. These groups have their
common interest of people and gives pressure on govenment to act favouable on peoples cause.
They try to get attention from govenment and the officials to act on the interest and needs of the
people with favorable causes.
Interest groups are also known as lobby groups who have great role in policy making of political
system and developments. Interest groups are directly influence the govenment bureaucrats in
policy making. Well financed interest groups have high influence for the political campaigns of
the various officials.
Interest groups are also influence the bureaucrats political campaign with narrow effect and
cause for the general public. Well supported interest groups financial and support of various
causes with bureaucrats also aims to get favorable legislative actions on general public needs and
interest..
Pressure groups can enhance democracy in several ways: They represent minority interests and give citizens opportunities to participate in politics outside of parties. However, pressure groups are not politically accountable and some may wield disproportionate influence, while others have little. Overall, both pressure groups and political parties disperse power and inform the public, but parties must develop platforms representing all citizens, whereas pressure groups promote single issues.
The document discusses interest groups in the European Union. It states that while interest groups have weakened the EU's power, politicians also collaborate with interest groups to gain advantages. Interest groups are private firms that can provide studies and expertise to political actors. Large interest groups and firms tend to have the most influence due to their greater resources. Consequently, interest groups can both help and hinder the EU decision-making process depending on their agenda and level of resources.
The document discusses rules around using grant funds from the XYZ Foundation to influence legislation. It defines direct and indirect lobbying and outlines exceptions. Direct lobbying refers to communications with government personnel involved in legislation that mention specific bills and take a position. Indirect lobbying refers to grassroots efforts encouraging the public to contact officials. While broad discussions of issues are allowed, grant funds cannot be used to directly lobby or campaign for political candidates. The document provides examples of permitted and prohibited public policy activities.
Chapter 9Learning Objectives1. Identify various types of orga.docxtiffanyd4
Chapter 9:
Learning Objectives
1. Identify various types of organized interests and distinguish interest groups from political parties.
2. Describe strategies used by interest groups to influence the political process.
3. Assess the organizational problems facing interest groups and the factors contributing to their success.
4. List some of the most powerful interest groups and explain their purposes and strategies.
5. Evaluate the costs and benefits of interest group activity for American democracy.
Introduction
Whereas political parties mainly exist to support campaigns and win elections, interest groups seek to directly influence government policy. Interest groups play an important role in extending the practice of democracy by linking citizens and citizen groups to their government in a more permanent fashion than do periodic elections. Interest groups may educate voters and public officials on the issues, support candidates in their campaigns, and litigate in the courts, among other functions. But the relationship of interest groups to democracy is neither simple nor consistently beneficial. Interest groups may also pursue specific objectives harmful to society’s larger interests. This lesson explores the range of interest group activity in the American political system and evaluates the impact of interest groups on policy and, more generally, the democratic process.
Study Questions
1. How do interest groups differ from political parties?
2. Why do interest groups form?
3. Define the following:
a. The collective action problem
b. Free riders
4. Why are some groups more successful in mobilizing their potential membership than others?
5. Define the following types of interest groups and give at least one example of each, including:
a. Public interest groups
b. Economic interest groups
c. Government groups
d. Single-issue vs. Multi-issue
e. Political Action Committees
f. Ideological
6. What is the difference between a "public" and a "special" interest? Is the dividing line usually clear? Give an example.
7. What kind of individuals are more likely to be represented in interest groups?
8. What strategies do interest groups use to achieve their goals? Discuss the following:
a. Lobbying
b. Grass-roots organization (vs. "astro-turfing")
c. Public relations
d. PACs and political contributions
e. Advertisements
f. Demonstrations
9. How do lobbyists practice their trade? What legal constraints have been placed on lobbying?
10. Explain some of the problems associated with interest group participation in the policy-making process. To what phenomena do the following phrases refer?
a. Iron triangles
b. The revolving door
c. Capture theory of regulation
11. The number of lobbyists working in Washington, DC has more than doubled in the last eight years. Many believe that the influence of lobbyists has proven seriously corrosive to democratic principles. Do you agree?
12. What is the theory known as pluralism?
13. Contrast pluralism with the elitist unde.
This document discusses how illiberal democracy in Hungary from 2010-2014 negatively influenced the effectiveness of lobbying control in the country. It defines key terms like lobbying, interest groups, and liberal vs illiberal democracy. Illiberal democracies differ from liberal democracies in that they do not strictly follow the rule of law, lack independent oversight of the government, have more corrupt political elites, less free media, and do not fully protect civil rights and minorities. The document analyzes how Hungary met the criteria of an illiberal democracy during this period and repealed its lobbying law, diminishing transparency and accountability in the lobbying process.
Comparing Stability and Sustainability in Agile SystemsRob Healy
Copy of the presentation given at XP2024 based on a research paper.
In this paper we explain wat overwork is and the physical and mental health risks associated with it.
We then explore how overwork relates to system stability and inventory.
Finally there is a call to action for Team Leads / Scrum Masters / Managers to measure and monitor excess work for individual teams.
Sethurathnam Ravi: A Legacy in Finance and LeadershipAnjana Josie
Sethurathnam Ravi, also known as S Ravi, is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and former Chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). As the Founder and Managing Partner of Ravi Rajan & Co. LLP, he has made significant contributions to the fields of finance, banking, and corporate governance. His extensive career includes directorships in over 45 major organizations, including LIC, BHEL, and ONGC. With a passion for financial consulting and social issues, S Ravi continues to influence the industry and inspire future leaders.
Colby Hobson: Residential Construction Leader Building a Solid Reputation Thr...dsnow9802
Colby Hobson stands out as a dynamic leader in the residential construction industry. With a solid reputation built on his exceptional communication and presentation skills, Colby has proven himself to be an excellent team player, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Employment PracticesRegulation and Multinational CorporationsRoopaTemkar
Employment PracticesRegulation and Multinational Corporations
Strategic decision making within MNCs constrained or determined by the implementation of laws and codes of practice and by pressure from political actors. Managers in MNCs have to make choices that are shaped by gvmt. intervention and the local economy.
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12 steps to transform your organization into the agile org you deserve
Lobbying
1. Lobbying” means communicating directly with an official in the executive branch of state
government or an official in the legislative branch of state government for the purpose of
influencing legislative or administrative action.
The Executive branch is composed of the President and the Vice President who are elected by direct
popular vote and serve a term of six years. The Constitution grants the President authority to appoint
his Cabinet. These departments form a large portion of the country’s bureaucracy.
The Legislative branch is authorized to make laws, alter, and repeal them through the power vested in
the Philippine Congress. This institution is divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT
• The President
• The Vice President
• The Cabinet
• Local Government
2. KEY POINTS
Direct lobbying is used to influence legislative bodies directly via communication with members of the legislative
body.
During the direct lobbying process, the lobbyist introduces to the legislator information that may supply favors, may
otherwise be missed or makes political threats.
Direct lobbying is different from grassroots lobbying, a process that uses direct communication with the general
public.
Direct lobbying is often used alongside grassroots lobbying.
KEY TERMS
During the direct lobbying process, the lobbyist introduces to the legislator information that may supply favors, may
otherwise be missed or makes political threats.
Direct lobbying is different from grassroots lobbying, a process that uses direct communication with the general
public.
Direct lobbying is often used alongside grassroots lobbying.
During the direct lobbying process, the lobbyist introduces to the legislator information that may supply favors, may otherwise
missed or makes political threats. A common use of direct lobbying is to persuade the general public about a ballot proposal.
this case, the public is considered to be the legislator. This aspect of direct lobbying attempts to alter the legislature before it is
placed on the ballot. Communications regarding a ballot measure are also considered direct lobbying. Direct lobbying is
from grassroots lobbying, a process that uses direct communication with the general public, which, in turn, contacts and
influences the government.
3. Examples of direct lobbying include: Meeting with legislators or their staff to discuss specific legislation.
Drafting or negotiating the terms of a bill. Discussing potential contents of legislation with legislators or staff.
For example, groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) use direct lobbying by supporting candidates
for office who agree with the organization's position on firearms. While some lobbying organizations also try
to influence the public, their method of communication must directly refer to a particular position on a
specific piece of legislation.
By comparison, grassroots lobbying involves appealing to the general public in the hopes that people, rather
than lobbyists, will contact government officials about an issue. Grassroots lobbying can take the form of
petitions, such as those found on the website, change.org, signed by members of the public and presented to
Congress. It also involves members of the public calling, emailing, faxing or even visiting their congressional
representatives. For instance, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) used grassroots lobbying to motivate
the public and help reform the drunk driving laws in Hawaii.
There are essentially three types of lobbying – legislative lobbying, regulatory advocacy lobbying, and
budget advocacy
4. There are essentially three types of lobbying – legislative lobbying, regulatory advocacy
lobbying, and budget advocacy
Legislative lobbying, the most common form of lobbying, attempts to shape legislation
at the federal, state and local levels to align with a particular industry or group's
Legislative lobbyists do this by tracking legislation as it is introduced and engaging
legislators on the industry or issue they represent.
A legislative lobbyist represents a corporation, advocacy group, labor union or other clients
before national and state legislatures and government agencies. One day he may meet with
a member of Congress to express concerns about a proposed bill, and the next he may
approach government agencies for federal funding.
5. A 'lobbyist' is a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest or a member
of a lobby
When interest groups attempt to influence policymakers through lobbying, they usually rely on
professional lobbyists.
Lobbyists are often well-connected professionals, such as lawyers, whose role is to argue for specific
legislation.
Successful lobbyists achieve insider status in legislative bodies, meaning they can talk directly to
lawmakers.
Once they gain access to legislators, the lobbyist's job is to persuade them to act on behalf of their client.
Increasingly, lobbyists seek to influence politics by putting together coalitions and by utilizing outside
lobbying to mobilize public opinion on issues.
These groups have been defined as "sustainable coalitions of similarly situated individual organizations in
pursuit of like-minded goals. " According to one study, it is often difficult for a lobbyist to influence a staff
member in Congress directly, because staffers tend to be well-informed, and because they frequently hear
views from competing interests.
As an indirect tactic, lobbyists often try to manipulate public opinion which, in turn, can sometimes exert
pressure on congresspersons, who must frequently appeal to that public during electoral campaigns.
These are often put together by lobbyists who coordinate a variety of interest group leaders to unite
behind a hopefully simple, easy-to-grasp, and persuasive message.
6. Lobbying is an important lever for a productive government. Without it, governments would struggle to
sort out the many, many competing interests of its citizens. Fortunately, lobbying provides access to
government legislators, acts as an educational tool, and allows individual interests to gain power in numbers.
Lobbying is attempting to influence decisions made by a public official — usually to pass or defeat legislation.
Lobbyists are professionals hired by a special interest group to represent their interests to Congress.
The term “lobbyist” harkens back to the days when people hung around in lobbies waiting to get a word in
with legislators heading to vote.
All kinds of groups hire lobbyists — from corporations and private companies to nonprofits and unions — to
try to persuade the government to pass legislation that’s favorable to them.
There is nothing inherently wrong with lobbying. Lobbying encourages people to play an active role in their
government — it’s protected by the First Amendment as our right “to petition the government.”
The problem is when lobbyists use money to buy influence with our government. Lobbyists today funnel
millions of dollars into the hands of Congress.
Because they’ve become dependent on money from lobbyists to fund their political careers, Congress ends
up passing laws to keep the lobbyists and their clients happy, instead of laws that benefit the
American people.
7. KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lobbying is the organizing of a group of like-minded people, industries, or entities to influence an
authoritative body or lawmaking individual, often through financial contributions.
Bribery involves the payment of something—either money or goods or an intangible favor—in the
subversion of normal practices, for gain or special treatment, or in order to get an advantage.
In the U.S., lobbying is legal, while bribery is not.
Bribery is an effort to buy power, while lobbying is just an effort to influence it; but admittedly, the
distinction between the two can be opaque.
8.
9. interest group, also called special interest group, advocacy group, or pressure group, any
association of individuals or organizations, usually formally organized, that, on the basis of one
more shared concerns, attempts to influence public policy in its favour. All interest groups share
desire to affect government policy to benefit themselves or their causes. Their goal could be a
policy that exclusively benefits group members or one segment of society (e.g., government
subsidies for farmers) or a policy that advances a broader public purpose (e.g., improving air
quality). They attempt to achieve their goals by lobbying—that is, by attempting to bring
to bear on policy makers to gain policy outcomes in their favour.
10. Factors shaping interest group systems
Various factors shape the environment in which interest groups operate and provide a foundation for
understanding similarities and differences in types of interest group systems around the world.
The level of socioeconomic development within a society usually can inform observers about how highly
developed and represented society’s interests are. In more economically prosperous societies, the number
interest groups and the people belonging to them is usually quite extensive. By contrast, in
less affluent countries, the number of interest groups is usually quite limited, and their level of sophistication
is usually lower. In democracies, lobbying is more formalized and wide-ranging than in authoritarian and
developing countries, where it is largely informal, with only a small segment of society having access to
government.
11. In democratic systems, interest groups are generally free to operate, though the acceptance of the
scope of their activity by the general public and politicians may vary. Even in democracies, many may
consider interest groups detrimental to the operation of society and government (in general,
however, there is a broad consensus in most democracies that interest groups play a vital and
necessary role in political and economic life). In postcommunist Lithuania, for example, there has
been skepticism of interest groups both among the public (a hangover of the fear of belonging to
banned groups in the former communist regime) and among some politicians who believe such
groups acted as an impediment in the transition to democracy by promoting their special interests
over that of society. In contrast to democracies, authoritarian regimes often restrict and may even
ban group formation and lobbying.
A country’s political culture—the characteristic shared values of the citizens upon which government
is based and upon which certain political activities are considered acceptable or not—varies from
country to country. In all political systems, be they democratic or authoritarian, the ideological
underpinnings of society influence the pattern of interest group involvement in the political
process—including, potentially, their exclusion from the process entirely. In Sweden, for example,
where there exists a broad social democratic consensus that believes all interests should be taken
into account in the policy-making process, the government actually organizes and funds groups (e.g.,
immigrant workers) that might not form otherwise. In contrast, the official ideology of communist
regimes has not generally officially recognized the rights of interests to organize; thus, they have
tended to operate unofficially and subject to potential legal action by the government.
12. The location of political power in the political system determines the access points and methods of influence
used by interest groups. In authoritarian regimes, power usually lies with the dictator or a small cadre of
officials. Thus, any interest group activity in such systems will be narrowly directed at these officials. In
democracies, power is more diffused. In parliamentary systems, such as Canada and New Zealand, the
executive is chosen from the legislature, and, because of party discipline, power tends to be concentrated in
the executive, which therefore becomes the focus of lobbying. In presidential systems, particularly the United
States, where there is a separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, a
lobbying strategy must focus on both branches of government. In addition, in some countries, power is
divided among multiple layers of government. In unitary systems, where central government is the locus of
policy making, lobbying efforts can concentrate on that level of government. By contrast, in federal systems
(e.g., the United States, Australia, and Germany), interest groups often find it necessary to mount
simultaneous campaigns at both the national and state levels.
Which party or party coalition controls the government influences the relative importance and impact of
interest groups within society. For example, in a democracy, if a left or centre-left government is in office, it is
most likely that allied groups (e.g., labour unions and environmental groups) would have more influence on
and be consulted more often by the government, whereas business groups usually have wider access and
importance when a conservative government is in office. Even in authoritarian regimes, changes in the
executive can bring about the increased success of some groups at the expense of others. For example, the
shift from a civilian to a military dictatorship or vice versa in a host of African, Asian, and Latin American
countries in the period from the 1930s to the 1980s changed the configuration of interest groups and
interest influence.
13. The role of interest groups in public policy making:
pluralist and neo-corporatist theories
Pluralism and neo-corporatism are the two primary theories that have been put forward to explain interest group influence on
public policy. Pluralists argue that the most realistic description of politics and policy making is a marketplace with more or less
perfect competition. In theory, in this political marketplace many (or plural) perspectives—as represented by individuals, political
parties, and interest groups and interests—compete to have their views heard by government and their favoured policies enacted.
According to this conception, because of competition between the varied and diverse interests, no single interest is likely to have
its views win consistently over others. The United States is invariably cited by scholars as the country coming closest to this model
in practice, though other democracies also qualify, particularly those in the Anglo-American tradition such as Canada and
Australia.
In practice, however, pluralism is often less than an ideal system of representation for achieving policy changes. First, different
groups have different resources; some interests, such as those representing businesses or affluent professions, are well-organized
and well-financed, while others, such as those for the poor or for immigrant workers, are not. Such disparities may serve to tilt the
balance of policy influence in favour of better-organized and better-financed groups. Second, the government is rarely neutral in
the conflict-resolution process: it often favours some groups over others because it depends on them. For example, a government
may rely on a major industry (e.g., tourism) or a particular service, such as that provided by doctors, and so these interests will
have more sway over that government than those it does not rely upon (e.g., welfare recipients or groups for the arts). These
concerns have led to modifications of the pluralist model; an elitist perspective, such as that advanced by American political
scientist Theodore Lowi, considers groups, interests, and individuals that are well-connected to government policy makers and
well-financed as prime movers in interest-group activity and policy making. The advantage of such elites is enhanced in many
Western democracies because of the advent of hyperpluralism—a development of the late 20th century, particularly in the United
States. As so many groups have entered the lobby game, the competition for the attention of policy makers has become intense,
and those groups with resources and connections—the elite groups—have an advantage in the fight to be heard by policy
makers.
14. Neo-corporatism is a much more structured theory of interest group activity than pluralism. It is a
modern version of state corporatism, which emerged in the late 19th century in authoritarian systems
and had several manifestations in the first half of the 20th century—for example, in Adolf Hitler’s
Germany and Francisco Franco’s Spain. In this system, society is seen as a corporate—that is, united
and hierarchical—body in which the government dominates and all sectors of society (e.g., business,
the military, and labour) are required to work for the public interest as defined by the government.
Whereas state corporatism is coercive, neo-corporatism is, in theory, based on voluntary agreement
between government and labour and business interests. The goal is primarily economic; the neo-
corporatist model focuses on keeping costs and inflation in check so that the country can be
competitive in international trade and maintain and enhance the domestic standard of living. To be
able to establish and maintain a neo-corporatist interest group system, a country has to have peak
associations that are able to enforce the agreements between business, labour, and the government.
Consequently, in Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, for example, where there are major
peak associations that dominate their respective economic sectors, neo-corporatism can best explain
major interest group activity.
15. Neo-corporatist theory also has its critics. Some argue that it is not a distinct interest group system at all but rather
just another form of pluralism. This is because it still functions within a pluralist political environment and only major
groups are involved in this special relationship with government; all other groups and interests compete in the same
way that they would in a pluralist system such as the United States. In addition, critics also claim that neo-
corporatism is so varied in actual practice as to lack distinct core characteristics. The Scandinavian countries are
highly neo-corporatist, but countries such as France and Belgium are much less so; and the form of neo-corporatism
practiced in Japan does not incorporate labour. Similar to pluralism, neo-corporatism operates differently in different
countries depending on sociopolitical and historical circumstances. In fact, it is best to understand the interest group
system in democratic countries as existing along a scale with highly pluralist countries such as the United States (with
no dominant peak associations) at one end; countries such as New Zealand, which combines elements of pluralism
and neo-corporatism, in the middle; and predominantly neo-corporatist systems, such as those of Scandinavia, at the
other end of the scale.
Theories of interest group activity in non-pluralist regimes are less all-embracing because of the wide variety of such
regimes. State corporatism helps explain group activity in some countries (e.g., Cuba); in former communist countries
(e.g., those in eastern Europe), the leaders of groups were simply tools of the party elite; in authoritarian countries in
the developing world (e.g., the monarchies of Saudi Arabia and Tonga), it is the elite cliques close to the royal family
that hold the most sway.
Lobbying strategies and tactics
As discussed above, lobbying involves working to bring pressure to bear on policy makers to gain favourable policy
outcomes. In order to accomplish their goals, interest groups develop a strategy or plan of action and execute it
through specific tactics. The particular strategies developed and the specific tactics used, however, vary widely both
among and within political systems.
16. Lobbying strategies and tactics
As discussed above, lobbying involves working to bring pressure to bear on policy makers to gain favourable
outcomes. In order to accomplish their goals, interest groups develop a strategy or plan of action and execute it
through specific tactics. The particular strategies developed and the specific tactics used, however, vary widely
among and within political systems.
Three factors are of particular importance in shaping lobbying strategies and tactics. One is whether the political
system is democratic or authoritarian. Because there generally are few restrictions on interest groups in
societies, they have more options available (e.g., hiring lobbyists, using the press, and staging public
demonstrations). Thus, strategies and tactics are more formalized and open than in authoritarian societies, where
they must be more ad hoc and less publicly visible.
A second factor is the structure of the policy process. As indicated above, in democratic parliamentary systems,
where the executive is drawn from the major political party or party coalition in the parliament (e.g., Finland, India,
and Ireland), the legislative branch is less important than the prime minister and the cabinet in policy making. In
contrast, because of the power placed in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures, the United States is one of the
countries in which legislative lobbying is a major strategy of interest groups. The courts in most parliamentary
systems also play a minor role in policy making. Again, in contrast, in the United States the separation-of-powers
system has provided the courts, which have the power to invalidate legislation, with a major role in policy making,
and, as a result, litigation strategies are often vital to American interest groups.
A third factor is political culture as it relates to group activity and lobbying. In the United States, for example, the
of contract lobbyists—those hired by contract specifically to lobby government—is much more accepted than in
most other Western democracies, including those of the European Union, where public officials usually prefer to
directly with the members of the concerned group, organization, or business.
17. Three major factors can also be identified to explain why lobbying strategies and tactics vary within a political
system. One is the nature of the group and its resources. “Insider” groups—those older and more traditional
business, labour, and professional groups with extensive resources, including money and established access to
public officials—are more able to pursue “insider tactics,” utilizing their close friends and associates in government
to promote their goals, and generally have many more options available to them than do “outsider” groups. Such
outsider groups tend to be newer and sometimes promote radical causes; they usually lack key contacts with
policy makers and major financial resources, and they often focus their energy on grassroots efforts, which may
include letter writing or Internet campaigns or public demonstrations to gain media coverage (insider groups may
also use such methods). Second, whether the purpose is to promote or defeat a legislative proposal helps to
explain variations in strategies and tactics across different political systems. For instance, in the United States, a
system that was designed by its founders to prevent government action, the so-called “advantage of the defense”
operates. All an interest has to do to stop a proposal is to get a sympathetic committee chair in the legislature to
oppose it or a president or governor to veto it. To get a proposal enacted requires that it clear hurdles in both
houses of the legislature and be signed by the executive. In contrast, in parliamentary systems, with power
concentrated in an executive committed to the platform of the major party or party coalition in parliament, it is
much harder to defeat something if it has been agreed upon by the party beforehand. Third, a country’s political
climate influences strategies taken by interest groups. Which party is in power (such as one favourably disposed to
an interest group’s agenda), the major issues facing the government, and the country’s budget circumstances will
influence the types of strategies an interest group uses. For example, the National Education Association (NEA) in
the United States pursues a different strategy when the Republicans are in power in Washington, D.C., and in the
states than when the Democrats are in power. The NEA has “insider status” with the Democrats but generally not
with the Republicans.
18. Influence of interest groups
Research conducted in the United States provides major insights into the factors that determine interest group influence. Money is
important in explaining the influence (or lack thereof) of interest groups, but, contrary to what might be believed by the public, it
not simply money that determines political clout. Factors determining the influence of individual interest groups include the
financial resources, the managerial and political skills of its leaders, the size and cohesiveness of its membership, and political
timing—presenting an issue when the political climate is right. Three factors appear to be of particular importance:
How much influence a group has depends on the extent to which government officials need the group. The more elected or
appointed public officials who rely on an interest, business, or organization, the greater its leverage will be over government.
corporations may have a presence in many districts throughout the country, and decisions that affect them will affect employment
those districts, thus making it likely that members of the legislature from those districts will be favourably predisposed to
that the group supports. Moreover, many interest groups provide major financial backing to political campaigns; the more widely
dispersed its funds are in a country, state, or local jurisdiction, the more likely that legislators will listen to the concerns of that
Lobbyist–policy-maker relations are also important in explaining the relative power of an interest group, since it is at this point that
the demands of the group are conveyed to government. The more skillful the lobbyists are in forging personal contact with
government officials, the more successful the group is likely to be. As noted earlier, this is the case in both democratic and
authoritarian systems alike. In the United States, political scientists have identified phenomena known as “iron triangles” and
niches” in regard to lobbyist–policy-maker relations. In such cases, lobbyists, members of the legislature, and, in particular,
of the key committees work together to get policy enacted. These arrangements typify a form of elitism with privileged access
leading to established lobbyist–policy-maker relationships that gives “insiders” an upper hand in influencing public policy.
The relative level of organized opposition to a group is essential to understanding the success or failure of that group. The more
intense the opposition to a group’s cause, the more difficult it will be to achieve its goals. Some groups have natural political
enemies (e.g., environmentalists versus developers and corporations versus labour unions). Other interests, such as those
stricter laws against domestic violence and child abuse, have little opposition, though such groups may be limited by the other
factors that determine influence, such as a lack of financial resources.