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Functions and Types of Interest Groups

Interest groups form to represent shared interests and influence policymaking. There are different types of interest groups including economic groups, ideological groups, and foreign policy groups. Interest groups function by lobbying the government, shaping public opinion, funding political campaigns, and more. Their influence depends on factors like resources, membership, and leadership. Some of the most powerful interest groups in Washington D.C. are the NRA, AARP, Chamber of Commerce, and National Association of Manufacturers.

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28 views11 pages

Functions and Types of Interest Groups

Interest groups form to represent shared interests and influence policymaking. There are different types of interest groups including economic groups, ideological groups, and foreign policy groups. Interest groups function by lobbying the government, shaping public opinion, funding political campaigns, and more. Their influence depends on factors like resources, membership, and leadership. Some of the most powerful interest groups in Washington D.C. are the NRA, AARP, Chamber of Commerce, and National Association of Manufacturers.

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Interest Groups

I. Interest Group Formation


II. Types and Functions
III. Influence
IV. A Flawed System?

Interest Group Formation


A. Pluralist Theory: Groups form
spontaneously whenever shared interests
are threatened or could be enhanced by
political action
EX: Industrialization = Labor Unions
B. Logic of Collective Action: Free
riders hinders collective action
(individual v. group rationality)
Overcome with SELECTIVE INCENTIVES
C. Interest Group Entrepreneurs

Types of Interest Groups


Economic (Phillip Morris, NAM, AFL-

CIO)
Ideological or single-issue (NRA,
NARAL)
Public interest (PIRG; Common Cause]
Foreign policy (Council on Foreign
Relations, AIPAC)
Governmental (State and Local
governments)

Comparative Labor Union Membership

Labor Union Membership over Time

Functions of Interest Groups


General: Represent Members & Agenda Building
Insider Tactics

Provide Information (Technical and Political)


Lobby Government
Outsider Tactics
Shape Public Opinion (Information campaigns
and grassroots lobbying)
Litigation
Organized Protest
Influence Elections (PACs)

Top PACs for 2003-04


PAC
National Association of Realtors
Wal-Mart Stores
National Association of Home Builders
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
National Auto Dealers Association
Laborers Union
Carpenters and Joiners Union
United Parcel Service
SBC Communications

Total Amount
$1,501,800
$1,290,500
$1,245,500
$1,103,999
$1,099,950
$1,066,750
$1,040,750
$1,034,500
$1,021,135
$988,116

SOURCE: Center for Responsive Government ([Link])


* Denotes main party receiving contributions (i.e., greater than 2/3)

Party*
Both
Rep.
Both
Dem.
Dem.
Rep.
Dem.
Dem.
Rep.
Rep.

Factors in the Influence of


Interest Groups
Leadership
Resources
Membership
Cohesiveness

Washington Power Interest Groups


2001
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

National Rifle Association of America


American Association of Retired People
National Federation of Independent Business
American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
AFL-CIO
Chamber of Commerce of the United States of
America
8. National Beer Wholesalers Association
9. National Association of Realtors
10. National Association of Manufacturers
Source: Fortune

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