2.4: Interest Groups
Individuals can influence government and create change, but coming together in groups offers even greater opportunities. Interest groups are one important form of group participation in politics. After you complete this article, you should be familiar with the following topics: economic interest groups, societal interest groups, ideological interest groups, and public interest groups. Pay particularly close attention to the section on “interest groups and elections,” as this explores the power of interest groups to directly affect the political process.
Most people agree that interest groups significantly influence the government. However, some believe that interest groups are beneficial to democracy, while others think interest groups are harmful. The views of the former typically stem from the theory of “pluralism,” which is described in this article. We will read about the potential for interest groups to be harmful in the next article.
2.4.1: Power of Special Interests
According to this article, “an increasing number of Americans believe that government is run to serve a few large interests rather than for the benefit of all.” Many view interest groups with skepticism, believing that the “special interests” often have too much influence in the policy process. What do you think? Do you think that interest groups are beneficial, as pluralism contends, or do you think that the “special interests” have too much power?
- Pay close attention to the image that depicts the iron triangle as you read this article. The United States is not the only country in which interest groups have a significant influence over policymaking. For example, Japan is said to have an “iron triangle” composed of interest groups, leaders in the majority political party, and senior bureaucrats. Do you think that “iron triangles” simply represent an effective and necessary way to “get things done,” or are they undemocratic?