LECTURE 7

Lecture Notes Chapter 9:

Review of Chapter 8/Media:

The longevity of our Government really can be attributed to three things. One, is the ability to be informed of what is going on around us. Two, is the ability to continuously fine tune our government through scheduled, frequent, fair (or seemingly fair) elections. And, three, a military that is ultimately controlled by Congress (or the people) and not by any one person (include in this a citizenry that is fairly well armed).

CHAPTER 9-

In the past edition, "Interest Groups" were included as subject matter in the chapter on public opinion (Chapter 6). Now, Interests Groups, as a topic, commands its own chapter. This makes sense, since interest groups have become a much more visible (not necessarily more important - as they have always played a role in the realm of politics) part of the American System of Government.

Though I don't have a lot to add beyond what the text has given you, I will ask that you note the term Pluralism (the theory that the direction government takes, or problems that it solves, is determined by "groups."), and compare it to what is called Elitism (the theory that the direction government takes, or problems that it solves, is determined by the few individuals who have acquired -or control- large amounts of scarce resources) which is directly related to the "Elite Theory (the view that power in American is held by the few, not the masses of people)." [Note: We shall talk about these theories, as well as "interest groups," in depth when we study the "Iron Triangle" in the chapter on Bureaucracy (Chapter 14), we'll also be talking about PAC's (Political Action Committees) when we discuss Campaigning (Chapter 11).]

Additionally, the text discusses interest groups and lobbying, but let me give you a definition that may set better. Interest Groups: are, groups that put pressure on key officials in government to shape policy to the benefit of the group's members. The "pressure" is the "lobbying" and the "key officials" are usually "members of Congress or Regulatory Authorities." In other words, Interest Groups lobby Congress (or Regulatory Agencies) to shape policy to their benefit. Note, also, that "lobbying" is not just giving money to candidates, lobbyists can shape policy by providing both positive and/or negative information to a government official. For example, showing how a policy might benefit a Congressman's district, or hurt it, if say the Congressman vottes to impose an import tax on Chinese toys. Furthermore, you and I can lobby key officials by both positive and negative means as well -consider an organized protest/rally of a candidate or bill proposal.

Beyond the chapter, however, do know that ANY GROUP (a hunting club, car enthusiasts gang, the Mid-Michigan Orchid Society. . .) has the potential of becoming a "Political Interest Group" depending on the issues being considered at the capital. And, that there are a few reasons that individuals join a group -including interests groups- on top of the "Material Benefit (economic benefit that comes from belonging to a group)." These benefits include, the "Purposive Benefit (the internal benefit one receives from "standing up for what is right)," and the "Solidarity Benefit (the internal benefit one receives from being able to relate with like minded individuals - the basis of forming friendships)."

That's it. Short and sweet. BUT, if you still need a brief summary of Chapter 9, click on the link below,

But be sure to read the chapter and not simply rely on the summary (it leaves too much out).

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