...Special Interest Shavonne Holman Professor Steven Holeman, Sr. POL110 March 2, 2013 Define an interest group, with examples. An interest group is an organization whose members share common concerns and try to influence government policies affecting these concerns. Interest groups are also known as lobbies; lobbying is one of the ways interest groups shape legislation and bring the views of their constituents to the attention of decision-makers. A great example of an interest group would be The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) which has about 32 million members. Interest groups are organizations that seek to influence the decisions of government. According to Truman, interest groups can be defined as groups that, based on one or more shared attitudes, engage in influencing political decision-making, in order to successfully implement certain political goals or values (Truman, 1993). They usually, but not always, are formally organized. The relation between interest groups and government and society is an affirmative one, although groups may at times employ destructive methods in order to accomplish their goals. The existing social order is accepted by interest groups, and governmental power and its institutions are utilized to attain advantages, protect members and to fight political opponents (Truman, 1993). Two kinds of organizations: Institutional Interest and Membership Interest. Institutional Interest are individuals or organizations representing...
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...An interest group, also known as lobbies group, or special group; is an organized group that is determined to encourage or prevent changes in public policy without any interest or attempts to be elected. Such groups are formed among individuals who share common ideas, views, beliefs, and commands; where they work hard in trying to influence government officials' decision making by presenting their ideas and beliefs directly to them (Wilson, 2009). There are countless interest groups that exist in the United States today, and there are several reasons behind their rapid growth and existence. One is the diversity of our nation and large amounts of immigrants from all over the world; having different cultures and backgrounds which lead to different views and expectations of the government. Another factor playing a role in the ability for interest groups to form is the nature of our decentralized political system and the manner in which the Constitution was written; giving citizens the freedom and many rights that other countries do not have. Since the Constitution gives people the power to choose who and how the nation should be governed, it gives them access to politicians and those holding seats in office, to demand and have the freedom to speak up about their expectations of their leaders. And lastly, the weakness of our political parties help set the stage for more and more interest groups to arise; using both areas of strength and weakness of each political party to influence...
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...WEEK 8 ASSIGNMENT Interest Groups Professor Karina Arzumanova U.S. Goverment An Interests Group is defined as an organization of people or a letterhead organization, sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy. In the American political system, there are a wide variety of interest groups that are organized for the sole purpose of exerting influence on the political and legal systems. These groups play a central role in deciding who gets what, when, where and how in legislative and budget processes. They also play a significant role in deciding which values will be promoted and enforced by the government. When individuals have common interests, it often makes sense for them to join together in pursuit of those interests. When this happens, a special interest group is formed. These groups then compete for a share of the limited resources distributed through the political process. While many groups are formed to compete for economic resources, others are formed to support their positions on issues like abortion and gun control. The limited resource these groups compete for is not money or real estate but rather the use of governmental power to enforce a particular set of values. At the group level, it makes sense for groups to form and do the things they do. However, at the individual level, there are powerful incentives to be a free rider. If a group is pursuing your interests even though you, as an individual, are...
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...Define an Interest Group: Through my research I found that there are many definitions of an Interest Group. For example one is from out text book the definition is; An Interest Group is an organization of people or a letterhead organization sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy. (Wilson J. Q. (2008) American Government) The term 'interest group' describes the nature of association this work is concerned with. According to Truman, interest groups can be defined as groups that based on one or more shared attitudes, engage in influencing political decision-making, in order to successfully implement certain political goals or values (Truman, 33). They usually, but not always, are formally organized. The relation between interest groups and government and society is an affirmative one, although groups may at times employ destructive methods in order to accomplish their goals. The existing social order is accepted by interest groups, and governmental power and its institutions are utilized to attain advantages, protect members, and to fight political opponents. As you see they all relate to political decision making, political goals, and organization of people. In Washington DC there are nearly seven thousand organizations that are represented by politics. These interest groups are also referred to as Lobby’s or Lobbyists. The textbook we use gives the opinion that interest groups are a group of people with shared ideas...
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...States Government Political parties & interests groups Political Parties * American political parties do not have clear programs, regular members, annual meetings, party leaders don’t decide who will run for election, etc. – the ideology of American parties is not very distinctive – they are electoral machines – they help people get elected to Congress and help us organize our thinking. * Political parties have existed since the first decade of the new government’s existence. Americans have always had ambivalent feelings about them. * Parties are necessary, and they perform vital functions, they are crucial institutions when it comes to organizing competition when it comes to elections, structuring the thinking of the society. If they help us distinguish various political sides, we can start identifying with them (liberal, conservative) * Ad-hoc coalitions – built in order to pass a specific bill. Party functions: * Organize the competition * Unify the electorate * Inspire and inform voters * Translate preferences into policy * Provide loyal opposition * Organize Government * Help Govern * Act as Watchdogs * Nominate Candidates * Ensure Candidate Quality * Winner takes all election system – if you have to be big to win, it makes no sense for small parties to function. * Party systems – Multiparty and Two Party System. * Minor parties: Persistence and Frustration * American parties are fairly loose coalitions...
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...Q) Discuss the role of political parties in contemporary democracies. Assess whether parties have retained their position or are in a decline or ascent? Consider arguments both in favour and against your judgment. A) In the twenty-first century, the term democracy doesn't just bring to mind the idea of people power; instead it prompts the idea of the existence of several political parties. The changing face of democracy has much to owe to the evolution of the political party system in the world today. Political parties seem to have become an engraved concept of democracy nowadays because of the significant role they play in the prevalent democratic systems. On face value a political party is a group of individuals representing certain views and attempting to gain power through the process of elections and translating these views into policies. However, they have several purposes, that upon being fulfilled act like building blocks to form the wall of democracy as we know it today. These include, but are not limited to, the formation of a government, representation of populist ideas, provision of a political platform for individuals, and the setting of goals for society which of course are coherent with what the masses desire. Moreover parties may also represent a certain faction of society which could be ethnic, religious or a certain class, much like interest groups do. These purposes of political parties are parallel to the essential principles of democracy, hence playing...
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...Lessons * ------------------------------------------------- Course Information * ------------------------------------------------- Assessments * ------------------------------------------------- Gradebook * ------------------------------------------------- Email * ------------------------------------------------- Discussion Groups * ------------------------------------------------- ChatRoom * ------------------------------------------------- Whiteboard * ------------------------------------------------- My Folders * ------------------------------------------------- Students * ------------------------------------------------- Technical Support * ------------------------------------------------- Announcements * ------------------------------------------------- Other Courses * ------------------------------------------------- Logoff * ------------------------------------------------- Web 2.0 Tools | | | Exam: 04.20 Midterm Exam52Score: 52 of 100 pointsInstructions: You are about to enter a TIMED EXAM! You have 50 minutes to complete this exam. One point will be deducted for each minute you go over the allotted time. Once you enter the exam, you cannot stop the clock.Answer Key------------------------------------------------- Top of FormQuestion 1 (Worth 2 points)Which of the following statements about states� ratification of the Constitution is best supported by the information in the graph?------------------------------------------------- ...
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...An overview and Descriptions : In very democracy, Interest groups are as old as political parties existence. Interest groups, equally known as advocacy or pressure groups, are associations or organizations of individuals who share a common interest and assert their collective strength in the political process to protect — and in some cases, expand — that interest. They are Non-profit and usually voluntary organization whose members have a common cause for which they seek to influence public policy, without seeking political control. Their primary activities are lobbying the members of legislative bodies through contribution to political parties, working to elect sympathetic or pliable politicians, and conducting covert or open propaganda campaigns. At this juncture, My emphasis is on The Anti-Abortion Right Group in My State of Maryland,which is of particular interest to me. Because my Delegate is a Republican. In the late 1960s, a number of organizations were formed to mobilize opinion against the legalization of abortion. In the United States, the National Right to Life Committee was formed in 1968, while in Australia, the National Right to Life formed in 1970. The United States pro-life movement (also known as the United States anti-abortion movement or the United States right-to-life movement) as a social and political movement in the united state opposing on moral or sectarian grounds elective Abortion and usually supporting its legal prohibition or restriction. Advocates...
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...or a Much Needed “Must’ Author: Gergana V. Murtova Term Paper for Business and Society Class People are easily fooled by talk about donations, private or corporate, that might be the case but not the whole truth, indeed. You see, everywhere from America to Japan, each party has, so to say, a ring of firms…If you think that I am less influential than one banker, your idea of what a politician can achieve is very far from reality. In the last 15 years, perhaps half of all above-the-average businessmen are [what they are]…either with my blessing or at least a smile from me. * Ahmed Dogan (Bulgarian Politician, former leader of the ethnic Turks’party Movement for Rights and Freedoms), 2005 Corrupted politicians, lobbying from wealthy businessmen, forceful advocacy from particular societal groups, influence peddling from local and national government representatives – all these are scenarios that Bulgarian citizen hear and read about in Bulgarian media day after day. That is why when in 2005 Dogan said those words, Bulgarian society wasn’t shock by their content; it was no news to us. Actually, the only shock from these words was from the cynicism and the sense of impunity with which a party leader would talk before television cameras. Overall, Bulgarian society is rather used to the concept of corruption. Bulgaria has been ranked for years among the top in the world in terms of corruption (Mulcahy, 2012). What is peculiar, however, is that whenever a corruption scandal...
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...immigrants migrate to in search of a new life. For well over two centuries, people have flocked under this nation's protective wings as opportunists, sojourners, missionaries, refugees, and even illegal aliens. Over time, millions around the world have found emigrating to the U.S. as the only alternative to starvation, death, or a life full of hardship and suffering. With thousands from nations spanning the globe, America has become a mosaic of people, culture, and hope. Immigration is a public policy that currently affects millions. There are two groups that are both fighting for and against immigration. There is a special interest group called Tea Party is currently fighting against immigration and was as the United Farm Workers is a labor coalition that fights for immigrations. The singular purpose mindset is the main advantage that special interest groups have over political parties. The reason being is that special interests groups can focus their energy, time and money on one specific issue, compared to political parties who cover a variety of issues, and do not weigh in too heavily on one issue in itself. If political parties get caught up focusing on one issue they can lose the parties overall directive when arguing too much for or against that one single issue (Texas Politics, 2009). A good example of a specific special interest group that influenced public policy is the United Farm Workers. This special interest group was founded in 1962, and helped Mexicans and other...
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...Influence on State Government News Peggy Robb POL-215 August 20, 2012 Darris Howe Influence State Government News UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh recommends gubernatorial Gary Herbert in his re-election. The Utah Education Association (UEA) is one of three major interest groups in Utah that place their focus on education. It has been this group’s main mission to “advance the cause of public education in partnership with others: strengthen the teaching profession, promote quality schools for Utah’s children, and advocate the well-being of its members” (Utah education association, 2012). As the story unfolds, the reader will see how special interest groups, political parties, legislature, and the public can affect government. Special Interest Group The UEA is known for their dedication in preserving and enhancing Utah public education. The UEA represents more than 25,615 active teachers, 1,060 public schools, and 571,615 registered students (Meador, 2012). Originally organized in 1860 as The Deseret School Teachers’ Association, the Utah Education Association is still going strong in their purpose to “establish a society for promoting the educational interests of the community” (Utah education association, 2012). Dan Jones & Associates reported that the 2012 Utah Priorities Survey assessed how voters feel about Utah’s economy, society, and politics. The survey determined that although Utahns are confident that the state is heading in the right...
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...women’s status in political life.’ Discuss. It is true that the mere winning of the vote for women made little immediate difference to their status in political life, and yet, it was a necessary beginning to establishing and later asserting their power. As the great suffragist Millicent Garrett Fawcett stated, women’s suffrage did ‘not in itself represent any extensive change for it would come as a necessary corollary of other changes’. From 1918 onwards, while the limited suffrage opened by the Representation of the People Act provided the vehicle for the changes British women desired to see in their society, feminists and people with an interest in women’s issues were well aware that much work had to be done in order to contribute to their progression in political life. This essay will begin with a brief summary of the state of women prior to 1918, as well as the aspirations and expectations of suffragists and anti-suffragists. Following this, it will describe how women were subsequently viewed as voters and political leaders by others of their sex, men, and the various political parties. The essay will assess how women sought to secure their interests, both politically and socially, and which methods were most effective. While significant changes for women did not happen quickly or immediately, this essay seeks to communicate the optimistic view that with time and the on-going determined efforts of feminists and other interested parties, women’s status in political life is becoming...
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...Edexcel: Government & Politics, Unit 1, Pressure Groups Pressure Groups Definition: “an organisation which seeks to influence a comparatively small range of public policies and which is not attributed to a recognized political party.” Function of Pressure Groups Governing process: they play a key role in the governing process. They are involved in all stages of the policy making process, ensuring the interests of the public are taken into account. Representative function: they either represent; Sections of the public The interests of the general public. (They claim) Educative function: they help to educate/inform the public and the government about politically important issues. Opportunities: they provide more opportunity for political participation than parties do. Scrutinize: they often scrutinize legislation, giving suggestions on how it may be improved. Tension release: pressure groups provide an outlet for people’s emotions, particularly if they are strong ones about certain issues (for example, the Iraq war, dog hunting etc.) This is a highly important function, as it helps maintain a peaceful society, as people can channel their emotions in a non-violent way. Types of Pressure Group Insider: a pressure group that has strong links with decision makers and are regularly consulted on areas of policy. They are so called because they work inside the political system through MPs, peers and committees. They may have this access because...
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...1. Interest groups- organization of people who share political, social or other goals; and agree to try to influence public policy to achieve those goals. 2. Alexis de Tocqueville- French political writer noted for his analysis of American institutions 3. public goods - benefits that everyone gets whether or not they join the group, 4. private goods- benefits that ONLY come to those who are members 5. free rider problem- Why would anyone join a group that will provide benefits to everyone regardless of membership? 6. union shop- anyone working for the company has to join the union or at least pay a part of the dues to cover cost of negotiating contracts 7. right-to-work laws- outlaw union shop contracts 8. benefits for group membership: solidarity- make people feel good for joining a group and working with others to make the world a better place. 9. Material- include things like discounts on goods or services, or low cost life or auto insurance. 10. Information- provide members with information that they find interesting and useful. 11. “Federalist Number 10”- how the new government created by the Constitution would help deal with the problem of factions. 12. Faction- He lumps parties and interest groups togetheras including both large groups (majority factions)and small groups (minority factions) ofpassionate people who are united bysome interest. 13. democratic pluralism- checking and balancing 14. lobbying- those activities...
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...past few centuries, political structure and life has been changing ever so rapidly, so too has the power that parliaments possess. This decline in power is due to a number of reasons, but mainly through the power of the lay person. Nowadays, people outside of parliament have huge power and can have a rather large influence in decisions that are made within parliaments. People power aside, Government decisions are also influenced in other ways such as, mass media, European Union decisions and disciplined political parties. All of these issues dominate the Irish political landscape from week to week, and are becoming more prevalent since the Economic Crash of 2008/2009 and the IMF Bailout that followed it on that infamous November night of 2010. Since then, every move the Irish Government makes is not only being monitored by the Irish people but it is also scrutinised by the European Union and the huge influence of the media. Another issue which detracts from the power of parliaments is the workings of the traditional Political Party system, although politicians may sound to be very passionate on a subject, they may find it very hard to act on this unless their political party is in agreement. The idea of Diciplined Political Parties hasn’t gone away, in Ireland, England or in any other democracy. (222 words) Intrest Groups & Mass Media According to Clive S. Thomas (2014) an “Interest group, also called special interest group or pressure group, any association...
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