Interest Groups Vs Third Parties

Political parties are very similar in a sense to interest group because both are “seeking influence over the government” by electing their members to office (Lowi 493). I really don’t think I need to go into detail about this point/quote because it’s rather self-explanatory that for example, the republican party and democratic party of the United States are constantly going at it in terms of which party the next United States president is going to be affiliated with. But not just being the president, but also other members of United States government. Some roles of political parties consist of facilitating collective action in the electoral process, resolving problems of collective choice in government, and to deal with problems of ambition (Lowi 493). Basically, facilitating collective action is a political party’s job to get commitment from the people of the United states to commit to whoever the party’s candidates are and what they stand for. Resolving problems of collective choice is basically all of the party members understanding they have the same common opinions and they need to be open to compromise to make everyone within the party happy

The purpose of an interest group lobbying an executive agency is to attempt to get the agency to see their stance and decide to back up that stance on their behalf. This allows for their positions to be heard more and by a wider audience. In most cases lobbying is used at hearings, while filing friend of the court briefs or when interest groups get in touch with legislators. Interest groups also contribute to campaigns by forming PACs or Super PACs. This allows for interest groups to financially support candidates who are promoting and pushing for policies the group wishes to be enforced. Disruption is the idea that interest groups step in and physically disrupt political activities and policies from being put forth or taken back. This can be through riots, strikes, sit-ins or other forms of public protest. These actions will possibly have a big influence on what policies are seen as important, changed, or put in place. Litigation is the action of courts aiding when an interest group falls or filing amicus curiae. This allows for the court to hear the side of the interest group and possibly make a change in the courts decision that will be in favor of the policies of that interest group.

Political action committees (PACs) have gained influence throughout political history. However, their gain of influence does not play a role in their acceptance from political parties. People believe political action committees influence the legislature. Political action committees raise money for political campaigns and other political issues. As Elizabeth Drew said, “The process by which Congress is supposed to function have been distorted, if not overwhelmed, by the role of money. The ability of even the best of legislators to focus on broad questions, to act independently, or to lead has been seriously impaired.” This leads to people believing political action committees influence political official’s views on issues in the government. The increase in political action committees are said to influence and help the political officials that are going to run for office again, because they want to get more money from the political action committees for their next political campaign. However, the supporters of political action committees say they allow average citizens the right to let their voices be heard in the political process. Another argument political action committees express is the First Amendment. The people who support certain candidates believe that donating money is an act of Freedom of Speech. Still many people oppose them. There is a bipartisan consensus on the dislike of political action committees. It may be said that political action committees are a

The media is also a vital part of political parties and politics in general as a campaign progresses the media can tend to sway the facts of the campaign and who is campaigning. I believe the media will

A political party, defined as an organization that sponsors a candidate for political office, has power to structure the government through promoting beliefs and practices the party deems necessary for a successful government, influencing voters, and ensuring the election of officials who will advocate for these beliefs and put them into action (Janda et al., 228). Minor parties, or third parties, also have a presence in American politics, though it is much diminished. Minor parties exist largely to promote injustices or protest certain beliefs of the two major parties (Janda et al., 242). The main four types of minor parties are: single-issue parties, created to publicize one specific issue; parties of ideological protest, rejecting the current governmental practices in favor of more radical ideas; bolter parties, split from either of the two major parties; and farmer-labor parties, representing the working class (Janda et al., 241-242). Though these

People in this country have many different ideas on how this country should be ran. There are many ways that the people can let America know about their ideas and this is through American third parties. This paper will discuss the views of the three largest third parties which are the Libertarian, Green and, Constitution parties. The views of these three parties will also be compared to the two dominant parties, Republican and Democratic.

The 2016 presidential election has brought many surprises and upsets. Both major party candidates are viewed unfavorably by many American citizens. This makes some Americans question: is it time for a third party to gain political power and help our faltering two party system? In the article, “Is It Time for a Third Party?”, Patricia Smith provides information about third parties and how a third party might be able to rise up to compete with the main two parties in the future. Smith effectively develops her ideas by explaining third parties, including graphics to better explain her thoughts, and discussing how the current atmosphere may allow third parties to rise to prominence.

However, political parties select candidates for the position of president. Parties also present policy alternatives for voters and some voters even choose candidates from the same party for all positions in that election. A party that doesn’t hold the majority in Congress often keeps the party in power from taking complete control. Party leaders can also criticize actions of the President that was voted by the opposite party. They take control on issues and discuss the points of view of others parties, which is important because they can then inform the public about the issues and how to solve them. Representatives usually support their party’s decisions when considering laws and policies. Interest groups consists of organizations that pressure elected officials to enact legislation favorable to its causes. The most common type of interest group is formed around businesses, corporations, and trade associations and part of their reputation for power is based on the fact that they represent about half of all interest groups. Interest groups are actively involved in the political campaigns, electioneering is intended to help others elect candidates who favor their position or defeat those of the opposite

Two political parties have dominated the United States: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The term “Third party” is used in the United States to describe any political party besides the well-known Republican and Democratic parties. Examples of third parties include the Libertarian Party, The Green Party, and the Constitutional Party. Unfortunately, these third parties have a hard time gaining political representation at the federal level. The historic route Democrats and Republicans trace back in the United States, the systematic influence of the Electoral College, financial contributions, and lack of media coverage all give a substantial reason as to why the newer third parties that emerged in the years after the major political parties have a hard time gaining political representation at the federal level.

Interest groups are private organizations that try to influence public opinion and convince public officials to accept their goals and views. They give political power to segments of society that have similar views. Interest groups are largely beneficial and are a vital component of the American Democratic System. For one, they organize people who share concerns. They also provide members with a means of political participation. Finally, they supply information to the public to policy makers. An important benefit of interest groups is that they give minority interests a voice in the political process. The civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s is a good example. Thousands of African Americans and their supporters united to draw society’s

In our textbook, interest groups are described as ubiquitous, or like Santa Clause, because they are everywhere in American politics . Interest groups are organized groups that try to influence public policy on every level of government. Most people are against the idea of groups, even though most of us are members of interest groups whether we want to admit it or not.

So some may wonder, well what is a political party in the first place and why does it matter which one to join? Well according to “We The People”, an American politics book written by Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore J. Lowi, Margaret Weir, Caroline J. Tolbert, and Robert J. Spitzer, their definition of a political party states, “Political parties, like interest groups, are organized groups that attempt to influence the government by electing their members to government offices.”(Ginsberg, 201). The reason these organized groups we call political parties want their members in government offices, is so that they can dominate whatever decision needs to be made in Government. Interest groups are similar,

Define pluralism. What does pluralism say about democratic politics, and the role of interest groups and political parties in American society?

Political parties are organized groups representing a comprehensive set of political views and objectives, who stand candidates for office, support them, and seek to bring their views to the public. They are distinct from interest groups in that interest groups represent a limited set of objectives and do not run for office; while they may promote views among the public, they also seek to directly influence lawmakers, which may be done through lobbying, money, and support during elections. Two activities of interest groups that are particularly significant, but troubling, is their ability to influence votes through gifts and political contributions that are often non-transparent, and the extent to which they can influence civic participation

An interest group is a group that shares a common opinion and political goal. They support candidates in exchange for the candidate supporting their cause. Interest groups often try to persuade public officials to explore their opinions and attitudes. Interest groups are known for having lobbyists. Lobbyists are individuals who represent their cause or client in government and Congress. They often propose laws, provide information to the government agencies, and serve as experts on issues that surround their clients or causes. Lobbyists are very educated and intelligent because it is very important that they know what they are talking about in order to achieve their goal. Personally, I think that lobbyists are important to our government and the election process because without them -- there would be little or no knowledge of the laws that these interest groups are proposing or specializing in. Many people believe that lobbyists are sleazy, filthy, and only after money-- but most are just trying to educate the public about certain issues and causes that they believe in. In fact, lobbying is a fundamental right guaranteed by our Constitution. (http://www.politicalmath.com/money/lobbying.php). Interest groups also have Political Action Committees (PAC). The PACs are known for raising money and then spending it on campaigns and elections. Having money often correlates with having power. This statement is the