Pressure groups - Representative processes in the USA

Representative
PRESSURE GROUPS processes in the
USA…read more

WHAT ARE THEY?
Seek to influence those who have control of govt ­ not to win control of govt
themselves.
Operate at all levels of govt ­ federal, state and local.
Have an influence on all three branches ­ Executive, legislature and Supreme
Court.
Types: Business, agriculture, unions, professional, single issue, ideological,
group, public interest.…read more

FUNCTIONS
Representation:
Various groups in society.
Citizen participation:
Participate in decision making process.
Public education:
Environment and gun control.
Agenda building:
Influence political agendas, attempt to bring different areas of society together in the common
interest.
Programme monitoring:
Hold govt to account.…read more

HOW DO THEY OPERATE?
Electioneering and endorsement:
PAC's ­ raise and give campaign funds to candidates, encumbents attract more PAC money, side
with candidates who are sympathetic to their cause.
Lobbying:
Provide policy makers with information, revolving door syndrome.
Publicity:
Television ad's, journal ad's, roadside hoardings, bumper stickers, Bush and Obama have
experienced publicity blitzes against their flagship policies.
Grassroots activities:
Postal blitz on Congress, marches and demonstrations.…read more

POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
USA = Diverse society:
Melting pot, variety of special interests to represent, hyphenated society each with their
own pressure group.
Many access points:
Shared powers make this possible, even congress isn't a single access point itself ­ two
chambers and many committee rooms.
Weakness of political parties (Decentralised and undisciplined):
Citizens turn to pressure groups, often opposing parties controlling WH and Congress ­
pressure groups can over come this divide to get issues dealt with (Doesn't matter for the
pressure group who's where).…read more

INFLUENCE ON LEGISLATURE
Seek to influence how Congressmen vote:
Direct contact ­ member or staff/Committee staff or members.
PG can provide evidence to committee to support their view.
Organise constituents to contact their representative (email, letter, phone) ­ express support or
opposition for initiative.
Publicise voting records ­ so that members are sure to vote along the lines of their constituents.
PG can endorse member or oppose them in upcoming elections.
Fundraising, campaigning for the member ­ seek to defeat those who oppose them.
EMILY'S list fundraises and campaigns for female members.
Sig piece of legislation for vote in Congress = PG will launch media campaign to generate public
support favourable to their position.…read more