Pressure groups Flashcards
(27 cards)
1
Q
What is political pluralism?
A
- A theory that political power is widely dispersed among many competing interest groups, preventing dominance by any one elite.
2
Q
Define ‘electoral finance’ in the US context.
A
- The raising and spending of money in US elections by candidates, parties, and external groups like PACs and Super PACs.
3
Q
What is an iron triangle?
A
- A mutually beneficial relationship between a congressional committee, a federal agency, and a pressure group.
- Pressure groups provide information, political support, and sometimes campaign funding to Congress.
- Congress provides funding and legislative support to the government agencies.
- Government agencies implement policies that benefit pressure groups and report back to Congress.
4
Q
Define a promotional (cause) group.
A
- A group promoting a specific cause or values, often with open membership.
- Example: Planned Parenthood, NRA.
5
Q
What is an interest (sectional) group?
A
- A group representing a specific profession or economic interest.
- Example: AMA (doctors), NEA (teachers).
6
Q
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A
- a political committee that is set up specifically for raising and spending money to advocate the election of candidates
- Regulated by FEC.
- Example: Emily’s List supports pro-choice Democratic women running for office, spent 6 mil 2020
7
Q
What is a Super PAC?
A
- An independent-expenditure-only committee that can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns.
- Example: Senate Leadership Fund spent over $280M in 2022.
8
Q
What are the four main types of US pressure groups?
A
- Sectional (interest)
- Cause (promotional)
- Insider
- Outsider.
9
Q
What is the difference between insider and outsider groups?
A
- Insider groups have direct access to policymakers
- outsiders use public/media pressure.
10
Q
Give an example of an insider pressure group
A
- National Rifle Association
- it lobbies congress, influences legislation and has strong ties to lawmakers
- Regular access to congressional committees on firearms policy
11
Q
Can groups shift between insider and outsider status?
A
- Yes.
- Example: Planned Parenthood had insider status under Obama, lost it under Trump.
12
Q
What are the key tactics used by US pressure groups?
A
- Lobbying
- litigation
- grassroots mobilisation
- media campaigns.
- Tactic choice depends on resources and access.
13
Q
What is direct lobbying, and who uses it?
A
- Face-to-face meetings with lawmakers.
- Example: NRA lobbies against gun control directly with legislators.
14
Q
Why do some groups use litigation as a strategy?
A
- To challenge or uphold laws in court when legislation fails.
- Example: NAACP Brown v Board 1954
15
Q
How do pressure groups use electioneering?
A
- By endorsing candidates, donating via PACs/Super PACs, and running ads.
- Example: AFL-CIO supports Democrats.
16
Q
What is grassroots mobilisation?
A
- Encouraging public action like protests or petitions.
- Example: March on Washington
17
Q
How do PACs influence elections?
A
- Bundling donations to candidates for policy access.
- Example: The NRA PAC donates heavily to pro-gun candidates, helping them get elected and influence gun legislation
18
Q
How do Super PACs impact US elections?
A
- Spend vast sums on independent ads that can sway voters.
- Example: 2012 Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama) spent about $50 million
19
Q
How do pressure groups reinforce incumbency?
A
- Most PAC donations go to incumbents, who are more likely to win and offer influence.
- 94% of House incumbents won in 2022.
20
Q
What does ‘funding Washington insiders’ mean?
A
- Donating to influential legislators or bureaucrats for long-term access.
- Example: American Medical Association targets health related committees
21
Q
Why are iron triangles criticised?
A
- They limit democratic accountability and entrench elite interests.
- Example: Defence contractors + Congress + Pentagon.
22
Q
What is the ‘revolving door’ phenomenon?
A
- Movement between government jobs and lobbying.
- Example: Dick Gephardt became a lobbyist post-Congress.
23
Q
How powerful are pressure groups compared to parties in the US?
A
- They can’t win office but influence policy and campaigns.
- Parties set platforms
- groups shape agendas.
24
Q
How do pressure groups enhance democracy?
A
- Represent minorities
- educate the public
- hold government accountable.
- Example: ACLU defending rights in court.
25
How do pressure groups undermine democracy?
- They may ignore the wider public interest
- undemocratic influence as they are not elected but can influence
- disproportional influence due to their wealth, connections, or the nature of their cause
- not accountable to the public
26
What was the impact of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?
- Ruled corporate political spending is protected speech, enabling Super PACs.
- Triggered massive growth in campaign finance.
27
What role does the FEC play in pressure group activity?
- Regulates campaign finance
- monitors PAC activity.
- Criticised for gridlock and weak enforcement.
