Persuasion and Information
Lobbyists work to persuade governmental officials. Lobbyists offer
arguments, evidence, and research to support their groups’ positions. Many
government officials do not have the time to research issues themselves, so they
rely on information from trusted interest groups and lobbyists to keep them
informed and up to date. Publishing their findings also allows interest groups
to influence public opinion, which, in turn, often influences the policy
decisions of lawmakers.
Material Incentives
Although persuasion is a key part of lobbying, interest groups also
provide some material incentives to government officials. Laws limit government
officials from taking gifts, but they can still be wined and dined. Also,
lobbyists can hold informational seminars for officials, flying them to places
such as the Florida Keys or a golf resort to educate them about
issues.
Economic Leverage
Interest groups can use economic power as a weapon to get what they want.
In most cases, economic power means money: Rich interest groups can contribute
to campaigns, run advertisements, pay for research, and build a strong presence
in Washington. Interest groups can leverage their economic power in other ways
too, though. Labor unions, for example, often seek change by striking or by
threatening to strike. Boycotting, or refusing to buy a particular company’s
goods, is another effective method groups use to accomplish their
goals.
Disruption
Interest groups sometimes stage protests in order to disrupt activities,
generate publicity, and apply pressure on those they oppose. Disruptions can
include strikes, pickets, riots, and sit-ins. In the 1960s, student civil rights
groups used sit-ins to peacefully protest the Jim Crow laws and institutions in
the South.
Litigation
In the United States, interest groups often achieve their goals through
litigation, by suing groups they oppose. In the 1940s and 1950s, for example,
the NAACP brought numerous lawsuits against segregated school systems,
culminating in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education
decision of 1954. Many other groups have used the courts to achieve their
goals.
