this was discussed in our module earlier, just some context to what is expected from the responses I will attach the directions.
Methods interest groups use to influence policymaking include:
Involvement in campaigns
Direct advocacy
Grassroots advocacy
Informational briefings
Media campaigns
First, as addressed in Module Two, interest groups are often involved in candidate campaigns. Direct involvement in candidate campaigns—either through direct campaign contributions or independent expenditures that benefit the campaign—are a sure way to get the attention of a candidate who wins election to an office. Money does not necessarily buy influence, but it certainly is noticed and appreciated. This means groups that are able to contribute to a policymaker’s electoral success can, at the very least, expect some level of access—a returned phone call, a chance to meet directly with the lawmaker, an opportunity to review relevant legislation. It does not mean the policymaker will always vote to the liking of the interest group, but it can mean the difference between inside access to key decisions or watching from the outside as decisions are made.
Next, interest groups often engage in direct advocacy, which is simply asking a policymaker to support or oppose a specific policy. For interest groups, this often means employing an individual to serve as a lobbyist, or advocate, for the group. The group may also use volunteer lobbyists. These individuals develop relationships with policymakers and when key votes happen, lawmakers are asked to vote in a manner that aligns with the interest group’s position. Lobbying, or direct advocacy, works well because it ensures that key policymakers hear an interest group’s point of view directly at a key time from an individual with whom they have likely developed a relationship. The key to effective direct advocacy is relationships. Lawmakers will listen to interest groups that align with their views, but they will also listen to individuals who spend time with them in the legislative process on a daily basis. Groups that can afford to pay lobbyists or at least have dedicated volunteer lobbyists can gain an advantage in the legislative process by building and/or expanding relationships.
Grassroots advocacy is another important way interest groups impact public policy. Grassroots advocacy is the process of encouraging citizens to contact lawmakers in support of an interest group’s position. Some interest groups have members, and when key legislative votes come up, the interest group encourages these members to contact lawmakers. These groups may also have supporters on email lists or through social media. The key to grassroots advocacy is connecting constituents to lawmakers. Policymakers are responsive to voters who live in their district, not just anyone who may be interested in an issue. A strong grassroots advocacy campaign matches a significant number of constituents to key lawmakers in time for important votes. Such campaigns also work well when combined with direct advocacy efforts. An effective approach is having a lobbyist speak directly and in detail about a policy while constituents are also contacting and generally asking for support or opposition to a specific piece of legislation.
Informational briefings provide another avenue for interest groups to gain influence. Typically, an interest group will host a forum or other event dedicated to sharing information about the issue(s) that interest them. Providing lawmakers with a source of accurate, reliable information on a topic is a key way to gain influence. When lawmakers learn they can count on a group to provide solid, fair information, they begin to trust and sometimes rely on the group when key votes come up. Holding forums or other briefing events also allows an interest group to provide more detailed information and a broader perspective on an issue. While activities during a legislative session are fast-paced and information has to be digested quickly, a forum or briefing event can last an hour or more and allow for in-depth discussion and questioning.
Media campaigns offer yet another method for an interest group to gain influence. Media campaigns—including TV commercials, social media sites, radio and print advertising—all help shape public discourse around an issue or topic. An interest group with a strong media presence can influence public opinion. Policymakers may not always do what a majority of the public wants on an issue, but policymakers who ignore public opinion time and again may not remain policymakers for long.
Conclusion
In Module Three, students explored ways interest groups work to influence public policy. From direct lobbying to media campaigns to grassroots advocacy, there are a variety of techniques that interest groups use to gain influence. Choosing among the most effective is a key element of successful interest group advocacy. In Module Four, students will examine how interest groups work in partnership or coalition with each other in order to achieve common goals.
