The Effects of Interest Groups on Politics Essay - 1407 Words

Influence of interest groups on the American legislature nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;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,†¦show more content†¦They, along with other old-age interests, however, have had to shift their role to a defensive one.11 The defeat of President Clinton’s health care reform package, which the AARP supported, dealt them a measurable political blow.12 The republican congressional take over of 1994 led to a scaling back of the federal government’s role, including programs designed to benefit seniors. The AARP believes big government to be essential to the welfare of seniors. This view comes in direct conflict with the Republican view stated in the â€Å"Contract With America†, that individuals and businesses can make more effective use of funds than the governmental bureaucracy.13 An understanding of this fundamental philosophical distinction provides one with the perspective to understand the AARP’s opposition to the privatization of programs important to seniors. These programs include social security, which the AARP describes as its â€Å"number one issue†, and Medicare.14 It also explains their fervent opposition to reductions in the rate of growth of the aforementionedShow MoreRelatedThe Effects of Interest Groups on Politics1436 Words   |  6 PagesInfluence of interest groups on the American legislature 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 evidentRead MoreCalifornia Politics And Government : A Practical Approach1444 Words   |  6 PagesThe book, California Politics and Government: A practical Approach, helps students understand the government and politics. 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Key Jr. in a composition appropriately entitled Pressure Groups; pressure groups â€Å"Ordinarily†¦ concernRead MoreCity Politics, Edward Banfield And James Wilson1221 Words   |  5 PagesIn their landmark 1963 book, City Politics, Edward Banfield and James Wilson seek to catalogue the characteristics that make American civic life unique. To them, American government is permeated with politics, lacking a purely administrative sphere. Accordingly, individuals can become involved in nearly any public decision: â€Å"It is characteristic of the American political system,† they write, that everyone has a right and even a positive obliga tion to ‘get in on the act’ of running the government