The document discusses different tactics used by interest groups to influence policymaking, including litigation, campaign contributions, and grassroots lobbying. Litigation is used by groups that lack popular support or legislative influence, or deal with issues of rights. Campaign contributions are used by groups with financial resources that need access to candidates. Grassroots lobbying is used by groups with popular support but lack of funds, as it requires fewer resources and encourages democratic participation. Examples of groups that use these techniques include the Sierra Club, NAACP, AMA, and NRA. The document also compares the goals of interest groups, which is to influence policy, versus political parties, which is to elect candidates to office. Interest groups support parties to gain access to policy
2. Different Interest Groups Use
Different Tactics
• Why choose litigation?
• Why choose campaign contributions?
• Why use grassroot lobbying/mass
mobilization?
3. Different Interest Groups Use
Different Tactics
Why choose litigation?
- if the group lacks broad popular support
- if the group lacks influence over legislative
process
- if issues of rights are involved
- if the success estb. firm precedent
Which interest group uses this technique?
4. Different Interest Groups Use
Different Tactics
Why choose litigation?
- if the group lacks broad popular support
- if the group lacks influence over legislative
process
- if issues of rights are involved
- if the success estb. firm precedent
Which interest group uses this technique?
Sierra Club, NAACP
5. Different Interest Groups Use
Different Tactics
Why choose campaign contributions?
- financial resources
- groups that need access
- narrow or focused issue
- buy candidate loyalty/support
Which interest group uses this technique?
6. Different Interest Groups Use
Different Tactics
Why choose campaign contributions?
- financial resources
- groups that need access
- narrow or focused issue
- buy candidate loyalty/support
Which interest group uses this technique?
AMA, NRA
7. Different Interest Groups Use
Different Tactics
Why choose grassroots lobbying (not
lobbying in general) or mass mobilization?
- popular support but lack funds
- popular support is strength
- requires less other resources ($, access)
-democratic concerns (philosophy)-
involvement / activity
Which interest group uses this technique?
8. Different Interest Groups Use
Different Tactics
Why choose grassroots lobbying (not
lobbying in general) or mass mobilization?
- popular support but lack funds
- popular support is strength
- requires less other resources ($, access)
-democratic concerns (philosophy)-
involvement / activity
Which interest group uses this technique?
Sierra Club, NRA, NAACP
10. Goals of each
Goals of Interest Groups
- influence public policy (THE fundamental
goal)
- influence Congress/gov’t
- change laws
Goals of Parties
- elect people to office
- gain control of gov’t
11. How do Interest Groups
Support Parties?
Interest groups sponsor activities that
support the electoral goals of parties by:
• monetary contributions/PACS
• organization/mobilization of people
• media campaigns
• information
• independent committees/527s
• independent expenditures
• endorsement/recruitment of candidates
12. How do the interest group
activities help the interest groups?
Interest groups sponsor activities that
support the electoral goals of parties and this
helps them by:
• access/influence policymakers
• have like-minded people/ policy advocates in office
• legislation that helps interest groups