Birth of Interest GroupsFour factors:

Economic DevelopmentsGovernment PolicyLeadersGovernment Activities

1960s and 1970s: rapid growth in interest groups

Do not arise out of natural social processes

Explaining ProliferationReasons why interest groups are common in

the US:More cleavages = variety of interestsAmerican constitutional system multiplies the

points at which groups can gain access to government

Weakness of political parties

Institutional InterestsInterest Group: any organization that seeks

to influence public policyInstitutional Interests:

individuals/organizations representing other organizationsChamber of CommerceAmerican Cotton Manufacturers

Membership InterestsOrganizations that support the interests of

their membersEstablishes a great sense of civic duty and

political efficacy

Membership IncentivesIncentive: something of value one cannot get

without joining an organizationSolidarity incentives: social rewardsMaterial Incentives: money/things of monetary valuePurposive Incentive: most difficult; benefit from

serving a cause or principle; used by ideological interest groups

Ideological Interest Groups: attracts members by appealing to political convictions or principles

Public-Interest Lobby: principally benefits nonmembers

Social MovementsSocial Movement: widely shared demand for changeEnvironmental Movement:

Sierra Club (1890s), Wilderness Society (1930s)Feminist Movement:

3 Kinds: Solidarity Incentive, Purposive Incentive, Material Benefit

League of Women Voters (1920)Union Movement:

1945: reached peak of membershipDecline caused by economy shift from industrial

production and decline in union approval

Funds for Interest Groups3 Sources of Money:

Foundation GrantsFederal GrantsDirect Mail

Membership organizations have a hard time raising money outside of dues

Help fund public-interest lobby groups

The Problem of BiasInterests groups in Washington reflect an

upper-class biasWell-off people more likely to join interest

groupsMore groups representing businesses

Few public-interest groups and civil rights/minority groups in Washington