Writing Homework Help
Writing Homework Help. Union County College Value of Interest Groups in A Democracy Discussion
Read the two posted readings (under REQUIRED resources) on interest groups – “Affirmative Advocacy…” by Strolovitch and “Six Lobbyists…” by Salant/O’Leary. (Click on the file for both articles.) that focus on competing theories of interest groups – pluralism v power elite theory.
Prompt: What is the value of interest groups in the political process? To what extent are interest groups an outlet for democracy and to what extent are they an instrument of the privileged?
REPLY TO:
In the first reading by Dara Strolovitch she describes both the advantages of interest groups and their inherent disadvantages. Interest groups, particularly the larger and well funded ones play a significant role in influencing public opinion, policies and motivating legislators to pass legislation which suits their goals and objectives. As examples she points out the National American Woman Suffrage Association which was formed in 1890 and the NAACP formed in 1909 who?s advocacy resulted in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (Unfortunately the Supreme Court gutted the voting rights in 2013). Interest groups also provide an avenue for political involvement which results in more active and informed citizens. She also points out, however, that advocacy is often uneven and that advantaged sub groups interests often marginalize the interest of disadvantaged groups. These advantaged interest groups normally have unlimited resources at their disposal and ignore interests of poorer communities who normally do not have the disposable cash to contribute to these groups.
When thinking about this subject the first thing that comes to my mind is the National Rifle Association. The NRA has repeatedly blocked gun control legislation through their lobbying efforts, mostly with the Republican Party, despite the fact that the a large majority of U.S. citizens are in favor of stricter laws on firearms and want background checks. This is a prime example of an interest group hindering the ability of the government to act or make the changes the vast majority of the public is demanding. Competing interest groups often hinder the government from governing effectively and and accomplishing anything substantial.
Which takes us to the insane process that resulted in the passage of the Affordable Care Act. An overhaul of our health care system was clearly needed and what was proposed including a public option as an alternative to private insurance, which was vigorously opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was not what the final legislation produced. The lobbyists, an average of 6 for every lawmaker, representing every corner of the health industry eventually produced a bill that marginally improved access to reasonably priced health care and assured that private insurers and drug companies continued to make tens of millions in profits.
Today history is repeating itself as lobbyists/special interest groups have successfully stalled President Biden?s Build Back Better legislation with their influence over Senators Manchin of West Virginia and Sinema of Arizona both of whom are representing the interests of their benefactors who donate large sums of money to their campaigns rather than their constituents who elected them.
As both articles pointed out there are many examples of the good that has resulted from the hard work of special interest groups, including voting rights, civil rights legislation and the prohibiting of discrimination on the basis if sex, race, religion or age. However, in today?s U.S. the operative word when it comes to special interest groups the operative phrase is “follow the money
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