Astroturf Campaign: The term “grassroots movement” implies a broad based, deeply rooted sentiment and action among the populace. An astroturf campaign, by comparison, is artificial – i.e. it may look like the real thing, but it is orchestrated and directed by a few well-placed interest groups. In a democratic system, grass roots support is an essential legitimizing force, so political and corporate economic campaigns often subsidize or even manufacture the appearance of grass roots activity to advance particular interests.
Disturbance Theory: Over the past several decades, the United States witnessed a tremendous growth in the number of interest groups. Why did these particular groups arise? One theory describes the origins of interest groups as reaction to a disturbance in society. When the normal social, economic, or political routine is disturbed, a group or groups emerge to restore the status quo ante or to take advantage of the disturbed conditions to press for policy changes.
Interest Goup: An organization whose purpose is to pursue the interests of its members, in public or private forums. A group must maintain its membership, often by providing benefits (material, solidary, or purposive) to those members. It must also vigorously pursue its goals (the members’ interest); often it must also pursue secondary goals, in order to increase its chances of achieving its primary goals.
American Politics: A Gov 310 Resource
