Assignment task:
Interest Group: Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Format: Labor Union. In an era where labor unions' size and power is diminishing, SEIU is the fastest growing labor union in North America, with over 2.1 million members. Its members work in three fields: health care (doctors, nurses, lab technicians, home care workers, etc.), public services (including local government workers, bus drivers and child care providers) and property services (workers who protect and clean commercial and residential office buildings). Particularly concentrated in urban areas and good political activists, these members are not only voters, but grassroots workers who will make phone calls and put up yard signs. SEIU does grassroots and net roots organizing on issues like health care, immigration advocacy, and poverty action. They also work for better conditions and pay for their employees. Members pay dues for basic union services (salary negotiation, job protection), and may also elect to contribute money for political action. The SEIU has $650,000.
1. What are the assets (Money, Size, Influence) that this interest group can leverage to get public policy passed in their favor?
2. If you were the interest group, how would you use your assets to get policy passed in your favor (Lobby, Educate Voters, Donate to Campaigns, Endorse officials)? How would these tactics be successful??
3. How might this interest group strengthen democracy? How could it weaken democracy?
Interest Group: American Conservative Union (ACU)
Format: Multi-issue lobbying organization.
The ACU describes itself as the nation's "oldest and largest grassroots conservative lobbying organization". Some critical issues for this group include promoting conservative nominees for Supreme Court justice, fighting for lower taxes and reducing government spending. At the same time, they promote a bold military stance around the world. The ACU 'scores and members of Congress on their adherence to conservative principles on a scale of 0 to 100. They also produce conservative publications and contribute to conservative candidates. With several organizations under its' umbrella, estimates of membership are between 1-2 million. Members are active and dedicated. The ACU has $125,000.
1. What are the assets (Money, Size, Influence) that this interest group can leverage to get public policy passed in their favor?
2. If you were the interest group, how would you use your assets to get policy passed in your favor (Lobby, Educate Voters, Donate to Campaigns, Endorse officials)? How would these tactics be successful?
3. How might this interest group strengthen democracy? How could it weaken democracy?