POLS 210 Week 8 Discussion: Interest Groups

Recap

Previously, we explored Government in Action by supposing that we would present our policy solution to Congress. We prepared a PowerPoint presentation. 

Introduction to POLS 210 Week 8 Discussion

This How-To POLS 210 Guide is designed to assist students in exploring the dynamic role of interest groups in the American Government. By selecting a current issue and the corresponding interest group, students will analyse the specific tactics and methods used to influence policy, ensuring a focused study that integrates classroom learning with real-world examples.

Select an issue that’s important in America today, and choose an interest group that has taken on that issue. What tactics and methods do they use to influence policy?

Selecting an Issue and Interest Group

To start the POLS 210 Week 8 Discussion: Interest Groups, we will select a current issue in the US and discuss it with an interest group.

• Choose a contemporary issue that is actively discussed in American politics. Consider its relevance and impact on society.
• Suggestions: climate change, gun control, healthcare reform, immigration.
• Identify an interest group that is actively engaged with your chosen issue. Research their mission and history to ensure they are a significant player.

Example

In this week’s discussion, I have chosen to delve into the pressing issue of climate change. This topic not only garners widespread national attention but also provokes significant international concern. The interest group I am focusing on is the Sierra Club, one of the most enduring and influential environmental organisations in the United States (US Department of State, 2024).

Make sure to include a news article from the last eight weeks of this group in action. Do not get sidetracked in discussions about the issue they support. 

Analysis of Tactics and Methods

Next, we will explore the tactics and methods.

• List the different tactics used by the interest group, such as lobbying, public campaigning, or legal action.
• Focus on how these tactics are designed to influence policymakers or public opinion.
• Delve deeper into each tactic to understand the methods the group uses, like grassroots mobilization, media campaigns, or coalition building.

Example

Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club has a long history of advocating for environmental protection and sustainability (Clay, 2024). The group’s primary mission is to promote the responsible use of the Earth’s ecosystems and resources, educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment, and use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.

The Sierra Club employs a variety of tactics to influence policy and public opinion on climate change. These include lobbying efforts, public campaigning, and legal action against entities that threaten environmental preservation. The group is particularly known for its grassroots mobilisation tactics, which involve organising local and national campaigns that encourage public participation in environmental advocacy.

Stay focused on their tactics and methods.

Researching Recent Actions

For this section of the POLS 210 Week 8 Discussion: Interest Groups, we will research recent actions in the US.

• Find a news article from the last eight weeks showcasing the interest group in action. Use reputable news sources to ensure accuracy.
• Tools like Google News or library databases can be helpful.
• Examine how the interest group’s tactics are portrayed in the article. Note any successful outcomes or challenges faced.

Example

One of the Sierra Club’s recent actions, highlighted in a news article from last month, involved their participation in a nationwide protest against new oil and gas drilling projects. This action aimed to push for more aggressive policies on renewable energy adoption. The article detailed how Sierra Club members, alongside other environmentalists, gathered in large numbers, employing banners and speeches to draw public and media attention to the issue (Clay, 2024).

The effectiveness of such tactics can be analysed through the lens of political influence theories, particularly the concept of “issue framing” found in our textbook. By framing climate change as an immediate and escalating threat that requires urgent action, the Sierra Club influences how the public and policymakers perceive the issue, potentially swaying policy decisions towards more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

Be sure to apply concepts from the textbook and/or weekly content.

Applying Concepts

Lastly, we will apply the concepts we learned.

• Relate your findings to specific concepts from the textbook. This might include theories of political influence, models of policy change, or studies of lobbying effectiveness.
• Incorporate relevant discussions, case studies, or examples from your weekly class content to enrich your analysis.

Example

Moreover, their efforts in coalition building, especially with other environmental and scientific communities, exemplify the tactic of “networking for influence,” another key concept discussed in recent lectures. This method enhances their lobbying efforts, providing a stronger, unified voice in policy discussions.

In conclusion, the Sierra Club’s strategic use of diverse tactics, including legal challenges, public demonstrations, and coalition building, not only keeps climate change in the public eye but also pressures policymakers to prioritise environmental sustainability (US Department of State, 2024). By applying the concepts of issue framing and networking from our studies, it becomes clear how these methods serve as effective tools in political advocacy and policy influence.

Closing

In the POLS 210 Week 8 Discussion: Interest Groups, we will gain a deeper understanding of how interest groups operate within the American political landscape. By focusing on current issues and tactics, students will apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to analyze and understand the mechanics of policy influence critically. This How-To Owlisdom Guide provides a structured approach to exploring these dynamics, fostering a practical and informed perspective on political advocacy.

References

Bredenfeld, L., Cherubim, M., Kellermann, A. C., Lehmann, C., Malberg, S., Rafn, J., Kwon, Y., & Choi, S. (2020). Tesla Moving Forward. 신산업경영저널, 38(1), 47–70. 

Clay, D. (2024). The Sierra Club: Environmental Activism and US Empire, 1892–1900. USAbroad–Journal of American History and Politics, 7, 1–13. 

US Department of State. (2024). Climate and Environment. United States Department of State. https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/climate-and-environment/