POLS 1101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, Amicus Curiae, Advocacy Group
31 Aug 2016
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Document Summary
A group of citizens who share a common interest, and try to in uence public policy to bene t its members. Estimated that there are about 7k interest groups active in the political system. Active meaning they engage in some form of lobbying, fundraising, etc. Interest group is nowadays construed as a dirty word, but many important movements spurred by interest groups. Abolition, women"s suffrage, prohibition (and anti-prohibition), desegregation, environmental protection . Nra and other groups send out mailers to members with a report card of elected of cials. Usually tells what issues they advocate based on name of group. Federal government cannot limit amount that groups spend, but in the past have limited how and when they spend money. One rule that is consistent: cannot coordinate or get help from the party or candidates. Party and candidates are not allowed to help pac raise money, cannot consult on how to spend money, cannot consult on what message, etc.
