7/10/2009. By Mr. Cegielski

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1 Essential Questions: What are interest groups? What techniques do interest groups use? To what degree do interest groups influence lawmakers decisions? What have interest groups and lobbyists been criticized for? Are they necessary in a democratic republic in order to promote the rights and interests of citizens? By Mr. Cegielski An Interest Group (special interests) is an organization of people who share some common interest or attitude and seek to influence the government and political system for specific ends. Interest groups try to influence every branch and every level of government. help finance the cost of elections increase knowledge of members and public encourage voting and participation links the public with its representatives a right protected by the First Amendment Pressure to make contributions undue influence on public officials funds go disproportionately to incumbents corporate and business most numerous hurt political parties 1

2 Interest groups have been part of the American political landscape since the country s founding. James Madison in Federalist #10 argued for a proliferation of groups so that no one group could not dominate other groups. The open nature of the American government invites organized political participation. National Groups Emerge ( ) Progressive Era ( ) Organized Labor the American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886) Business and Trade Associations The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) (1895) The Rise of the Interest Group State (1960s and 1970s) Religious and Ideological Groups Business Groups, Trade and Professional Associations Organized Labor A Political Action Committee (PAC) is a nonparty group that solicits contributions from its members and uses the money to influence the outcome of elections The AFL-CIO put together what it described as biggest, most unified labor program ever for the 2004 campaign. The federation's political budget for the cycle was about $45 million. AFL-CIO's Labor 2004 program placed a heavy emphasis on member to member contacts such as workplace flyers, home visits, and calls. 2

3 April 28, The sentiments of this Vietnam veteran, stopped in front of the Republican National Committee headquarters, are clear. When not riding his motorcyle with his furry friend, he helps Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) with events. (Above) ReDefeatBush.com, a political action committee, sought "to effectively channel volunteer activities into political action that will defeat President Bush." In particular it set a goal of registering one million new Democratic voters in swing states. What Makes an Interest Group Successful? In general three factors tend to lead to interest group success: 1. Leaders having a prominent leader aids in the reputation of the group and enhances a group's ability to attain its goals. 2. Patrons and Funding funding is critical. Without money, it is hard to get your message out. 3. Members a group must have members to be successful. Organizing members allows for strength in numbers and pooling of financial support. The most common and effective interest group technique is lobbying, or seeking to influence and persuade others to support your group's position. Lobbyists are hired by businesses, foreign countries, trade associations, and anyone else wanting their voice heard on policy matters. Lobbyists are the employees of associations who try to influence legislation or policymaking. 3

4 Publicity and mass appeals television, radio, newspapers, leaflets. Mass mailing Litigation Example: The Legal and Education Defense Fund of the NAACP used the courts to fight segregation in schools. Election activities Forming a political party Cooperative lobbying Appearing on television is one of the most effective techniques for advocating an issue to the American public. Activity--Interest Groups: The Impact of Vested Interests Remember: +(=Support), -(=Opposed), 0(=Neutral) Objectives: In this activity you will decide what types of laws particular vested interests might support and oppose. It is important to be able to determine who is behind the passage of certain types of laws and who will benefit from those laws. Below are listed some vested interests, followed by some proposed laws. After each law are letters which correspond to the vested interests. Next to each letter indicate whether the corresponding interest group would be likely to support, oppose, or be neutral to the law. Use a (+) to indicate support: a (-) to show opposition: a (o) to show that the group would probably be neutral to the law. A. CONSERVATIONIST LEAGUE (a group interested in protecting the environment) B. CAR MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION (interested in keeping the cost of car production low and profits high) C. TRUCK OPERATORS' ASSOCIATION (truck company owners who are interested in opposing legislation that will increase their costs) D. TEACHERS' UNION (the group promotes the interests of teachers and education) E. STATE LABOR COUNCIL, AFL-CIO, (a group of labor unions) F. TAXPAYERS' LEAGUE ( a group opposing tax increases) 1. Requires new smog protection devices to be added to large trucks. 2. Bans the sale of handguns to private citizens. All existing handguns must be registered. 4

5 Remember: +(=Support), -(=Opposed), 0(=Neutral) Remember: +(=Support), -(=Opposed), 0(=Neutral) 3. Appropriates $20 million for expanding state parks. 4. Increases the amount of support for each student in public schools by $50 per student. 5. Requires that all employers receive a 15 minute break every two hours of work. 6. Provides that one does not have to join a labor union if one does not want to. Outlaws union shop contracts. Remember: +(=Support), -(=Opposed), 0(=Neutral) Remember: +(=Support), -(=Opposed), 0(=Neutral) 7. Requires that trucks be weighed, that the weight of trucks be limited and that fines be imposed for overlimit weights. 8. Allows private organizations to assess their members to raise funds for political candidates. 9. Requires mandatory safety air bags to be installed in all new cars. 10. Requires that school districts bargain with teachers and that teachers elect a bargaining agent. 5

6 WARM-UP/DO-NOW: Indicate whether you "Strongly Agree," "Agree Somewhat," "Disagree Somewhat," and "Strongly Disagree with the following statements: Politicians generally work for the public good. Even politicians who care about the public good can be influenced by money. The general public needs lobbyists to represent their interests in Washington. Lobbyists should use any means necessary to get what they want on behalf of the interests they represent. Fair or not, in the world of politics, money equals influence. 1. Direct lobbying hire a lobbyist to advocate or push issue. Lobbyists get paid a lot (six figures). 2. Indirect lobbying hire phony front groups or organizations, composed of citizens, making it took like there is mass support for a particular issue. 3. trade association lobbyists from a particular field or industry 4. peak business organization bring together several large businesses 5. ad-hoc coalitions formed to lobby on a particular issue or legislation being debated on. 6. Think tanks experts who are paid to develop ideas on particular issues Ex. Wall Street Brokerage firms have hired thinks tanks to develop ideas about privatizing social security by privatizing it. Brokerage firms would benefit because people would need to invest their retirement money somewhere. 7. charitable organizations A lobbyist must be honest and truthful if he or she wants to remain effective. Access to lawmakers is critical and if a lobbyist develops a bad reputation, legislators doors will close. While lobbyists put their group's position in a favorable light, good lobbyists will also make lawmakers aware of the downsides of a bill and the arguments on the other side as well. Lobbyists must also be wellfunded (Spend! Spend! Spend!) in order to promote their cause. March 4, Supporters of medical marijuana target former Vermont governor Howard Dean, accusing him of "killing Vermont's medical marijuana bill." The group handed out flyers asking, "Governor Dean: Why should people with AIDS and cancer go to jail for using medical marijuana? Question: If you were a lobbyist on the issue of the medical use of marijuana, would you be able to explain the arguments on both sides of this hot debate? Try it! 6

7 Do you know what a political revolving door is? A revolving door is a metaphor used to describe an instance of the easy movement of individuals who were formerly in a political position to a lobbyist position, and back again. Example: From government-related jobs to lobbying jobs and vice versa, resulting in a conflict of interest for those chosen to represent the public and/or special privileges and benefits to former government officials and personnel. Can a former member of Congress, legislative staff or senior executive branch staff lobby on the Hill ( revolving door )? Yes, but Government ethics law prohibits former members of Congress, senior legislative staff and senior executive branch staff from lobbying their former department or agency for one year after leaving government. These officials must report their past positions on their lobbying registration forms for the first two years after leaving government. Former members of Congress retain access to the members-only dining facilities, gymnasiums, cloakrooms and the chamber floors areas not accessible to others. According to a Center for Public Integrity report, more than 2,200 former federal employees, including 273 former White House staffers, and nearly 250 former members of Congress and agency heads have registered as federal lobbyists between 1998 and Activity: More Than 2,000 Spin Through Revolving Door Directions: Read the article More than 2,000 Spin Through the Revolving Door. In 150-words, using detail from the article, take a stand on the following: This article suggests that the Revolving Door, besides allowing former politicians to start a second career, is important and necessary to the lobbying industry and our political system. Do you agree with this argument or can you find any problems or evidence which refute this? Interest Groups have been criticized for: Ignoring the wider interest of society. They seem to leave no room for consideration of transcendent national interests. Producing confusion and deadlock in Congress Generating so much emotion that they make reasoned discussion difficult Having too much influence and power Failing to address those who are not organized. Spending too much money to influence legislation. But, does money really buy legislation? 7

8 Is this interest group promoting the general welfare of the American public? What kinds of interest groups are necessary? Assignment: Go Ahead, Try to Stop K Street by Todd S. Purdum Directions: Read the article Go Ahead, Try to Stop K Street by Todd S. Purdum. Answer all accompanying questions, a. p, in complete sentences. Warning: This is a challenging read. I am here to assist you. Just be patient and hang in there! You need to complete this assignment in order to participate in our next activity A fishbowl debate on lobbying practices! FISHBOWL QUESTIONS for article Go Ahead, Try to Stop K Street by Todd S. Purdum Write responses to the following questions in preparation for our Fishbowl Debate: 1) To what degree, if at all, should representatives of private interests be allowed to influence federal lawmakers? 2) Should politicians be required to disclose how much money and gifts they receive from lobbyists, companies and/or other special interest groups? 3) Can federal lawmakers be trusted to regulate the influence of lobbyists? Why or why not? 4) To what degree might each of the suggested regulations mentioned in the article be effective in curbing corruption? 5) Can influence peddling be permanently stopped? Why or why not? 6) To what degree, if at all, should lobbyists and politicians be punished if found to be engaging in influence peddling? For further information go to: ACTIVITY: WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL CONGRESSPERSON DIRECTIONS: Analyze the graph Age of Influence on the following page. Consider the article you read as well as our class discussion during the fishbowl activity. Write a letter to your congressperson expressing your feelings about how and to what degree they should be involved in regulating federal lobbying practices. (To verify the correct lawmakers and obtain their contact information, consult Some questions to address in your letter are: 1) To what degree do you think lobbyists should be allowed to influence federal lawmakers? 2) What do think of the measures proposed by current lawmakers to curb corruption? 3) Which, if any, would you urge your representative and senators to support and why? 4) What additional measures would you suggest that your legislators propose to help curb corruption? 5) What, if any, punishment should be awarded to lawmakers who are found to have participated in corrupt practices (such as accepting bribes)? FURTHER QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING YOUR LETTER: 1) How is it possible to regulate an industry that is secretive by nature? 2) To what degree, if at all, is the public affected by lobbying practices, corrupt or otherwise? 3) Should citizens monitor the practices of lobbying concerns that might affect them? If so, how? 4) Should citizens try to stay informed about the individuals, companies and/or organizations that donate money to politicians who represent them? Why or why not? ASSESSMENT: Letters If desired, letters may be compiled and sent to the appropriate representatives and senators. 8

9 Interest Groups Promote interest in public affairs Provide useful information Serve as watchdogs Represent the interest of citizens 9

10 Final Project: Form a Local Interest Group for your Community! INTRODUCTION: What issues affecting you and your peers are regulated by your local government (for example, curfews, park/playground hours, noise regulations, parking regulations, etc.)? DIRECTIONS: Choose one issue that you care about. How might you lobby your local government to bring about change on this issue? Prepare a plan for representing your peers on this issue. Who might you represent, and how broad might your support be? Who in your local government might support this issue? How will you inform him or her about the issue? What legal methods would you use to lobby your local representatives? Prepare a detailed 200-word plan to present to the class. (Yes, PowerPoint would be great!) If appropriate, the class will vote on a plan that should be implemented and work together to make it happen. 10

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