Evaluate the view that Pressure Groups exert unequal influence.
Different finances and resources
US Chamber of Commerce - $1.75bn
AARP $270m
Shadows smaller groups
o American Farming Bureau Federation
Large number of groups that lobby for the minorities
2015, ACLU lobbied South Dakota governor, stopping law that banned trans using bathrooms they
wanted
National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People
Higher status because of the number of people they represent
NRA, 5.5m members – 120 guns/100 people
US Chamber of Commerce represents 3m businesses
AARP – 58m members
One American member of 3 pressure groups
Groups like NARAL downed out
Only serve to provide information for the public
Over 1000 groups wrote a letter to Congress to not sign TPP
LCV released ‘dirty dozens’ scrutinising Senators environmental votings
NRA + ABA grading of Congressmen
Revolving door
Rep Billy Tauzin stepped down after 25 years to join Pharma + Research Manufacturing for America
paid $2m/yr
60% defeated lawmakers 113th Congress lobbying
Iron triangle
29% House Reps, 26% House Dems; 38% Senate Reps, 25% Senate Dems
Not always successful – provide a range of views, not unequal influence
Gratz v Bollinger + Grutter v Bollinger over 1000 amicus briefs sent
Gun pressure groups aren’t yet successful in stopping gun reform bill passing
Different finances and resources
US Chamber of Commerce - $1.75bn
AARP $270m
Shadows smaller groups
o American Farming Bureau Federation
Large number of groups that lobby for the minorities
2015, ACLU lobbied South Dakota governor, stopping law that banned trans using bathrooms they
wanted
National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People
Higher status because of the number of people they represent
NRA, 5.5m members – 120 guns/100 people
US Chamber of Commerce represents 3m businesses
AARP – 58m members
One American member of 3 pressure groups
Groups like NARAL downed out
Only serve to provide information for the public
Over 1000 groups wrote a letter to Congress to not sign TPP
LCV released ‘dirty dozens’ scrutinising Senators environmental votings
NRA + ABA grading of Congressmen
Revolving door
Rep Billy Tauzin stepped down after 25 years to join Pharma + Research Manufacturing for America
paid $2m/yr
60% defeated lawmakers 113th Congress lobbying
Iron triangle
29% House Reps, 26% House Dems; 38% Senate Reps, 25% Senate Dems
Not always successful – provide a range of views, not unequal influence
Gratz v Bollinger + Grutter v Bollinger over 1000 amicus briefs sent
Gun pressure groups aren’t yet successful in stopping gun reform bill passing
