A Level Politics - Pressure Groups- Methods and tactics used by pressure groups to influence decision-making-Electoral Campaigning

A Level Politics - Pressure Groups- Methods and tactics used by pressure groups to influence decision-making-Electoral Campaigning
I. Access Points & Targets:

• The US system offers multiple avenues for influence: 50 state governments, federal government (Congress, Executive, Judiciary).
• Pressure groups strategically choose their target level (state, federal, or both) and branch of government.

II. Methods of Influence:
Pressure groups employ diverse tactics to achieve their goals:

• A. Electoral Campaigning: This is a major avenue of influence. Methods include:
  • Candidate Endorsements: Publicly supporting specific candidates.
  • Campaign Donations: Contributing financially to campaigns, often through Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs (see page 514 for details). Note the significant spending by groups like the League of Conservation Voters ($85 million in 2018).
  • Voting Scorecards: Releasing public analyses of candidates' voting records or policy positions on key issues. Examples include:
    • US Chamber of Commerce ("How they Voted" scorecard on pro-business policies).
    • NRA (A-F grades based on gun rights voting record).
    • League of Conservation Voters ("Dirty Dozen" list of politicians with poor environmental records – demonstrates tangible impact; defeated candidates in 2020).
• B. Lobbying: (Not explicitly detailed, but implied). This involves direct communication with lawmakers to influence legislation.
• C. Litigation: Using the courts to challenge laws or policies (not explicitly detailed).
• D. Grassroots Campaigning: Mobilizing public opinion to pressure lawmakers (not explicitly detailed).
• E. Direct Action: (Not explicitly detailed). This could include protests, boycotts, or civil disobedience.

III. Case Study: EMILY's List
EMILY's List exemplifies a highly effective pressure group. Key features:

• Focus: Electing pro-choice Democratic women.
• Unique Approach: Actively recruits candidates, provides comprehensive campaign support (including "get out the vote" efforts), and utilizes early campaign funding ("Early Money Is Like Yeast").
• Impact: Significant success in increasing the number of female members of Congress (e.g., $37 million spent in 2018 led to record numbers, also contributed to Kamala Harris's election in 2020).

IV. Key Concepts & Terms:

• PACs (Political Action Committees): Organizations that raise and spend money to elect and defeat candidates.
• Super PACs: Independent expenditure-only committees that may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals, but may not contribute directly to candidates or parties.
• Electoral Campaigning: The organized effort to win elections.
• Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in their daily life.
• Grassroots Campaigning: The practice of organizing political activity at the local level.
• Litigation: The process of taking legal action.
• Direct Action: Political action taken outside the usual channels, e.g., protests and boycotts.

V. Study Questions:

1. Compare and contrast the methods used by EMILY's List and other pressure groups mentioned. What makes EMILY's List unique?
2. Analyze the effectiveness of voting scorecards as a tool for influencing voter behavior. Provide examples.
3. Discuss the role of campaign finance in pressure group influence. How do PACs and Super PACs contribute to this?
4. Beyond the methods discussed, what other tactics might pressure groups employ to achieve their goals?
5. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different pressure group strategies. Which strategies are most effective and why? What are the limitations?
6. How do the different branches of government provide access points for pressure groups? Which branches are most susceptible to pressure group influence?

US Electoral Campaigning & Pressure Group Influence
I. Pressure Groups and Electoral Campaigns:

• Endorsements: Pressure groups openly support candidates, urging members and the public to vote for them. This boosts candidate visibility and credibility.
• Campaign Donations: Due to limitations on official campaign funds, pressure groups often donate to Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs (see page 514 for further detail – you should review this page separately). This provides substantial financial support. Example: The League of Conservation Voters spent $85 million in 2018, significantly impacting the Democratic House win.
• Voting Scorecards: These tools help voters assess candidates' stances on specific issues. Pressure groups analyze voting records or compare candidate positions, offering concise summaries. Examples include:
  • US Chamber of Commerce: "How they Voted" scorecard on pro-business policies.
  • NRA: A-F grading system based on gun rights voting record.
  • League of Conservation Voters: "Dirty Dozen" list highlighting politicians with poor environmental records (demonstrating measurable impact – successful defeats of candidates in 2020).

II. Case Study: EMILY's List
EMILY's List exemplifies a highly active pressure group. Key aspects include:

• Goal: Electing pro-choice Democratic women.
• Unique Approach: Unlike many groups, EMILY's List actively recruits candidates, offering comprehensive campaign support, including "get out the vote" strategies. This active role distinguishes them.
• Funding Strategy: Their name ("Early Money Is Like Yeast") reflects their focus on early and substantial funding to build successful campaigns.
• Impact: While their 2016 endorsement of Hillary Clinton didn't result in a female presidency, their $37 million in 2018 led to record numbers of women in Congress. Further success is seen in their 2020 support of Kamala Harris, culminating in her historic vice-presidency and additional House victories.

III. Key Concepts & Questions for Review:

• PACs and Super PACs: (Refer to page 514) Understand their role in campaign finance and how they interact with pressure groups.
• Influence vs. Direct Control: Pressure groups significantly influence elections but don't directly control outcomes. Analyze the ways they achieve impact.
• Measuring Success: How do we assess the success of a pressure group's electoral efforts? (Consider both the League of Conservation Voters and EMILY's List examples). Examine different metrics (e.g., candidate wins, legislative outcomes, increased representation).
• Different Strategies: Compare and contrast the strategies of the League of Conservation Voters, the NRA, and EMILY's List. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?
• Limitations: What are the limitations on the power of pressure groups in influencing election outcomes? (Consider factors beyond their direct actions.)

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