370 Chapter 10Chapter 10 || Interest GroupsInterest GroupsUnpacking the Conflict
Considering all that we’ve discussed in this chapter, let’s apply what we know about
how interest groups work to the example of student loan reform discussed at the
beginning of this chapter. Is it fair to characterize all interest groups, like those
that worked against student loan reform, as “armies of lobbyists” on self-interested
missions? Are interest groups really too-powerful manipulators of the American
policy process?
Many Americans think that interest groups are powerful manipulators of the
American policy process and that they are able to get what they want regardless of the
impact on everyone else. Federal direct student loans are seemingly a perfect example:
a small number of well-funded lobbyists worked to defeat a policy change that would
lower the cost of attending college for most students.
As you have seen, the truth is much more complex. Interest groups represent
many different Americans, many of whom are unaware that lobbying occurs on their
behalf. Moreover, for many groups the challenge is to get organized in the first place
or to scrape together enough resources to start lobbying. These efforts don’t always
succeed. Interest groups are more likely to get what they want when their demands
attract little public attention and no opposition from other groups. When a group asks
for a large or controversial policy change, it stands little chance of success, even if the
group has many members, a large lobbying budget, or an influential leader directing
its operation.
The debate over direct student loans exemplifies all of these findings. Although
the corporations that stood to lose from the direct loan proposal had significant
lobbying operations, the proposal had relatively high salience and was controversial.
Consequently, legislators’ voting decisions were less likely to be affected by
lobbying or other interest group strategies such as electioneering. These lobbying
efforts may have helped inform members of Congress about the details of the
proposal or the impact that the change would have on employment in their districts,
but there is no evidence that support for these proposals was shaped by lobbying.
And although these lobbying efforts delayed the move to direct loans, they did not
prevent it.
In sum, while individual lobbying efforts often reflect the efforts of small groups to
achieve favored policy outcomes at the expense of the majority, when we look across
the entire range of interest group activities, a different picture emerges: in the main,
interest groups reflect the conflictual nature of American politics and the resulting
drive of individuals, groups, and corporations to shape American public policy in line
with their policy goals. The average citizen benefits as well as loses from lobbying
activities.What’s
Your
Take?
Are interest groups really
too-powerful manipulators
of the American policy
process?Or do groups play an
important role in helping
all citizens’ voices be
heard?Full_11_APT_64431_ch10_340-373.indd 370 16/11/18 10:26 AM