GVPT 170 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Direct Lobbying In The United States

• School: University of Maryland
• Department: Government and Politics
• Course: GVPT 170
• Professor: All

Document Summary

Definition: an organization that engages in politics on behalf of its members and seeks to influence government policy. Key difference between interest groups and parties is . That interests groups do not run candidates for office. Overwhelming majority of americans belong to at least one interest group. Economic groups: (corporations, trade associations, professional groups) Single-issue groups (narrow focus) - nra, save the whales. Distinction is often made based on how resource rich interest groups are. Important to remember that there are different kinds of resources. Money (to be used in campaigns, lobbying, etc. ) This is called the logic of collective action (olson) or the free rider problem. This is especially a problem for public goods (or goods that people can not be excluded from using) Solidary (social benefit from belonging to group) Influencing the actions taken by those in government in ways that favor the preferences of the interest group. Two types of lobbying: inside lobbying & outside lobbying.