The Role Of Interest Groups In American Politics

Interest groups have a lot of influence over decision that the government makes and has made. These groups, when formed right, are highly organized and have a definite agenda they are trying to push that is important to them. Interest groups will lobby in congress as well as other levels of government to get new laws and regulations passed.

Limiting interest group is like cutting off the blood that flows through America’s vein. Interest groups plays a pivotal role in todays U.S society ranging from but not limited to; helping Congress and the administration to draft legislation and policy initiatives, provide information both to government and the public on a broad range of topical issues, and contribute significantly to political

An interest group also known as a special interest group or a lobby is an organized group of individuals, organizations, or businesses who share a goal. The interest group forms an alliance in support of their cause to influence public policy and government officials in the group 's favor. The goal of the group could be focused on small group, such as the Japan Eraser Manufacturer 's Association; or the goal could be focused on a large public group, such as family and friends of public school-aged children in the United States. Clive S. Thomas states, "The most important lobbying forces in any society are the various entities of government: national, regional, and local government agencies and institutions such as the military" (Thomas).

Interest groups are playing a very crucial role in all democratic governance. However, Lobby or interest groups should be limited on how they influence the law making processes in the State of Texas. Some of the areas they influence are very critical and should have limit as to which they can influence their legislation. groups are very different from each other in terms of their recourses, size, tactics, age, ideological focus, geographical coverage and sophistication. So assuming that they represent a large group would be a big mistake. No matter how much they are limited, interest groups do not act in the best interests of the democracy. They only serve what their members feels is right. According to one of the links, lobbyists are seen as salespeople whose aim is to solely influence the law makers.

Interest groups have long since been known to utilize the research available that benefits their specific cause consequently advancing an agenda unique to them. The National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) and the National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) are two such organizations. While both groups share a common interest for the welfare of Americans as a core value that each is deeply rooted in, they do not share the ideas as to whom specifically should benefit from aid or how said individuals would receive such assistance. These groups will need to overcome differences in order to effectively combat specific topics that are known for causing a dramatic effect on American society. One specific topic of increasing controversy

Interest groups as well as lobbies are often called the fourth branch of government, and yes, I believe they very much further American Democracy. They are the largest and most popular outlet for the average American to interact with government business. Interest groups work as a powerful check against both Congress and the Executive. Environmental groups have forced government to enact numerous checks on big business pollution. Feminist interest groups worked to gain women suffrage and Unions have increased worker's rights greatly. AARP arguably the most powerful interest group, makes sure the government does not forget the elderly in our country. PACs are able to influence campaigns and Think Tanks keep a close eye on a specific piece of

Governmental power and Economic power have become concentrated to such a degree that this intense focus on “power over” is creating concentrated issues that directly threaten both equality and democracy. Thus, resulting in “power over” the people, rather than for the people. To support my claim of both powers becoming too threatening towards democracy and equality, the topics of re-election rates within congress, the role of special interest groups and super PACs regarding their own political influence, and the role of people power will be briefly examined as too how these three topics directly interfere, as well as threaten, both equality and democracy for the American people.

The word democracy in actuality means “the rule of the people” as a form of government where the people have central foresight and control. Interest groups are people driven organization who collaborate on an interest and promote it through influencing the Federal government. Interest groups work coherently within the democratic process because it is an accessible outlet for the people to donate, participate and contribute to groups that share the same interest. These groups can then go lobby in prosecutes to pass a policy.

Interest groups generate a great deal of controversy. Some people blame interest groups for many of the problems in America. Other people see interest groups as a vital component of the American democratic system.

Mandira Pandey Professor Sherifian GOVT 2306-73004 4 April, 2017 Lobbyists and Interest Groups in Texas Interest group is an organized group that influence government through direct inside contact to gain certain policies. It is also called pressure group. Interest group only tries to influence government, but they don’t exert power. 1 There are different kinds of interest group. Every interest group work for different field. Lobbyist work for interest group. Special interest group hire and pay lobbyist to utilize power over elected officials to all positions of government. Also, nonprofits, companies and school district hire lobbyist. Lobbying plays a significant role to encourages the people and force them to play a proactive role in the government. They also help to make decision. When we listen the word lobbyist we think about corruption, but not every time. The issue is that when they take more money from government and cause poor policy results.

The most common activity for interest groups is lobbying. But that is not the only activity they are involved in, they are also involved in activities like forming Political Action Committees (PAC’s) and election activities. Lobbying is done by groups to influence the government decisions on policies. In the United States, almost all of the interest groups employ lobbyists to influence policy making. Lobbyists work to try to persuade governmental officials. Some ways they achieve their goals are persuasion, economic leverage, and disruption. The most important rule to lobbying is the entrance. You must be able to influence an official. The more spread out the interest groups money is throughout the country, the more likely it is that the legislators will listen to the concerns of that group.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the nation. With over 400,000 members, the group is able to lobby very effectively in Washington and has an impressive legislative record. The HRC began in 1980 as a fund to raise money for gay-supportive congressional candidates. It was meant to be a response to the successful right-wing groups at the time, including the National Conservative Political Action Committee and Moral Majority. By 1984, the Human Rights Campaign Fund was effectively supporting congressional candidates, raising over 475,000 dollars. By 1990, the HRC had a membership of 25 thousand, and was organizing

Interest groups involve a multitude of people who share a common interest in order to make an influence on the government’s decisions. Particularly, interest groups are separated into economic and noneconomic groups, these economic groups search for an economic benefit to its members in hope of receiving private goods and sending political influence. Regarding economic groups, business groups either work for organizations for the same industry or a specific organization, these groups seek tax cuts and pro-business benefits. Often, these business groups are well funded and have an enormous influence on government policies. Notably, labor groups work towards better working conditions and wages for all workers. On the other hand, non economic groups such as agricultural and professional associations have unique purposes. For instance, agricultural groups combat price fluctuations as they continue to rise; contrastingly, professional groups create a base for occupations by promoting ethical conduct fixing unjust laws.

     We elect politicians on the basis on the issues by which they stand, and these issues are either held up or weakened by the numerous interest groups that exist today. Interest groups target both major and minor issues, using all of their resources to sponsor or overpower the groups’ concern. Interest groups are composed of a limited range of the body of voters who have a great stake in the issues their group support. They make evident the issues their group supports. Their resources are used in an attempt to make their issue public policy. Interest groups are persistent; they do not give up until they succeed. They lobby congress, take legal action,

     Like political parties, pressure groups can be considered another system that connects the citizen more directly to government. However, at the same instant there are marked differences in both composition and function that define interest groups as different entities from larger political parties. According to V.O. Key Jr. in a composition appropriately entitled Pressure Groups; pressure groups “Ordinarily… concern themselves with only a narrow range of policies;” and unlike the goals of political parties, their intentions are to “influence the content of public policy rather than the results of elections.” Nevertheless, it is a realized fact that