Chapter 11 Flashcards
Interest Groups
An organization formed to seek a collective goal or provide a public good.
Lobbyist
A professional who lobbies the government on behalf of a client (interest). They:
- Persuade and inform lawmakers
- Provide informational subsidies to MCs in the form of expert testimony and technical knowledge.
- Keep their constituent interest informed of government actions and intentions.
The Collective Action Problem
Group formation is difficult and costly. Any group advocating for a public good is also subject to free riding.
Public Goods
Non-rivalrous and non-excludable goods.
Free Riding
Enjoying the benefit of a collective action while not having contributed to the cost.
Selective Benefits
Excludable goods provided to those who join or aid a group seeking to provide collective or public goods.
Examples: Tote Bags, stickers, special insurance rates, discount cards, payoffs…
Implication of CA Problem & Solutions
Well organized interests in society (like businesses) are likely to form groups and succeed in lobbying while poorly organized interests (college students) fair poorly.
PACs & Campaigns
Political Action Committees (PAC)
Designed to Provide Campaign Money & Electoral Support.
Business interests today are freer to Spend After Citizens United Case. $ is Speech…
PAC Facts
- Created in 1971 as part of campaign finance reform.
- Diverse set of interest groups who seek to influence campaigns/politics.
- Used to provide $ to multiple candidates, but still subject to expenditure caps on direct contributions.
- Experienced growth in recent years.
Tactics & Group Types
Insider Tactics: rely on personal connections with MCs or other actors.
Outsider Tactics: Impersonal & more likely to revolve around threats rather than exchange.
Grassroots Movements: groups that rely upon regular folks agitating and working toward a goal.
Checkbook Organizations: groups with donors but no grassroots component of regular people.
