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Interest Groups (Type/categories (Promotional (specific defined objective,…
Interest Groups
Type/categories
Promotional
specific defined objective
disband once resolved
'Snowdrop' - campaigned for tighter gun control
shared beliefs/values
pro choice/pro life lobbyist
helps others rather than members
save all whales not just one whale
help those with lack of resources
outsider tactics to influence
Sectional interest
seek to influence a range
membership interest
workers
employers
consumers
permanent & stable
Trade Union Congress (TUC)
50 affiliated unions
5.6 million members
wellbeing of members rather than society
National Rifle Association (NRA)
Insider
close relationship with government
expertise required for policy
very powerful
cooperation essential for policy
regular access to government
if views align
Examples
businesses
Ford
trade union
NHS
teachers
Outsider
rarely consulted by government
campaign outside government
influence gained through tactics
protests
media
broadcast
print
petitions
raised awareness
more credible when outside the system
Examples
environmental groups
Greenpeace
animal protection
SSPCA
untainted by government pressure
Some groups share features
NNACP
sectional interest of black people
social justice and harmony
Non Government Organisations (NGO)
non private
non commercial
non violent
international politics
People for Ethical Treatment of Animal (PeTA)
Means of influence
Lobbying
Business groups believe what interests them will coincide with national interest
General Motors = America
Revolving Door
Former bureaucrats are recruited by businesses
insider knowledge of the political system
Japan considers this a social norm
Financial
businesses employ professional lobbyists
relocate investment if their interests are not considered
US Congress
financial contributions made to election campaigns
political action committees (PACTS)
‘
he who pays the piper, plays the tune’
2012
$6 billion
Obama & Romney
donated by businesses or corporate interests
Super PACTS
Favourable Candidate
various tactics
recruitment
petitions
Marches
civil disobedience
law breaking for morale principle
Publicity Campaign
public sympathy
Size of membership
NRA
Iron Triangle
closed mutually supportive relationship
Includes
Executive Agency
special interest group
Legislative committee
Definition
political communication
people with common goal to influence
can be
local
national
international
Theories
Pluralism
crucial to democracy
gatekeepers of public opinion
core theme
power is fragmented
power is dispersed
Arthur Bentley (1908)
Robert Dahl
IRON TRIANGLE
Corporatism
Organised interests
incorporated in government
Two Faces
Authoritarian
intimidation
Liberal
privileged access
Free Ride Syndrome
Olson
Why Pay
Still benifit
NRA
Discussion
Advantages
represent the public in government issues
keep elites in touch with voters
voters get involved in politics
government help accountable for actions
raises awareness
creates debate
educates the voters
Disadvantages
too many interest groups
conflicts of interest
impossible to keep everyone happy
result in ineffective policy (too many cooks)
groups are not accountable
not democratically elected
nobody voted for leaders of groups
insider deals behind closed doors
unseen by media/public
insider depends on resources not merit
empower the already powerful
major corporations engulf the smaller ones