Interest Groups Flashcards
What are 6 notable interest groups?
- National Rifle Association (NRA)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
- National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP)
- National Organisation of Women (NOW)
- American Bar Association (ABA)
What are the main 3 types of interest groups and what do they do?
- Policy groups - attempt to influence a whole policy area
- Professional groups - represent the economic interests of their neighbours
- Single interest groups - advocate for policy around specific issues
What are the 7 main methods of interest groups?
- Electioneering
- Endorsements
- Direct action
- Lobbying
- Education and publicity
- Fundraising
- Legal routes
Which branch of government do lobbyists most often target?
Congress
In 2023, how many organisations lobbied the federal government and how much was spent?
14,000 organisations
$4.2 billion
What is revolving door syndrome?
The continued movement of personnel between government and the lobbying industry
Roughly what percentage of lobbyists have previously worked in congress?
Around 50%
Name one example of a former congressperson who is now a lobbyist and which firm they work with
Ed Perlmutter, Holland & Knight
What are 3 prohibitions on federal lobbying?
- Cannot give gifts to lawmakers
- Cannot take lawmakers out for dinner for over 456 a head
- Congresspersons must wait 1 year before joining a lobbying firm and senators must wait 2 years
What is the iron triangle?
The tight policy-making relationship between congressional committees, the bureaucracy, and interest groups
Roughly how much does the Pentagon spend per year?
Around $850 billion, over half of the federal government’s discretionary budget
