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Political Actors and Their Impact on Policy

May 5, 2025

Lecture Notes: Influence of Various Political Actors on Public Policy

Key Objective:

  • Explain how various political actors influence policy outcomes.

Overview:

  • The discussion focuses on the different groups, organized and unorganized, with and without funding, that influence changes in the political system.
  • Previous lecture focused on interest groups, especially single-issue interest groups like the NRA.

Types of Groups Influencing Policy Change:

  1. Interest Groups

    • Example: NRA, pro-life and pro-choice groups.

  2. Social Movements & Protest Movements

    • Social Movements: Broader societal change.
    • Protest Movements: Often involve direct action or demonstrations.
    • There's a dotted line between these two as they often overlap.

Examples of Movements:

  • Prohibition Movement (Late 19th - Early 20th century)

    • Primarily women fighting against alcohol consumption.
    • Key figure: Carrie Nation, known for her aggressive tactics.
    • Resulted in legislation banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol.

  • Civil Rights Movement (1950s - 1960s)

    • Fight for the civil rights of Black Americans.
    • Key methods: Civil disobedience, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
    • Achievements: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Role of Groups in Policymaking:

  • Social and Protest Movements: Highlight issues needing change and garner national attention.
  • Interest Groups: Draft potential legislation and present to lawmakers.
  • Political Parties and Bureaucratic Agencies: Engage in lawmaking.
  • Bureaucratic Agencies: Implement laws through rules and regulations.

Process:

  1. Movements raise awareness.
  2. Interest groups draft and propose legislation.
  3. Political parties and agencies make and execute laws.
  4. If laws are not implemented well, movements may arise again to address these issues.

Conclusion:

  • Numerous political actors, including social movements, protest movements, interest groups, political parties, and bureaucratic agencies, continuously work to influence policy outcomes.
  • Success varies, but efforts are persistent.

Action Items:

  • Review packet for further study aids on this topic.
  • Consider subscribing for more educational content.

Full transcript