Question 1: Interest groups attempt to influence politicians and public policy in a variety of ways. Define the term interest group, distinguishing it from a political party, and briefly describe some of the ways interest groups seek influence.
The overhaul of the US healthcare system brought about by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, attracted the attention of interest group representatives from the insurance industry, hospitals, medical device manufacturers, and organizations representing doctors, patients, and employers. Lobbyists and ordinary citizens sought to shape the legislation and voice their opinions through various means, such as protests and legal challenges to provisions like the Medicaid expansion requirement. Despite these efforts, the ACA remains largely intact after two Supreme Court rulings in favor of the law.
Interest groups, whether for or against the ACA, are essential in representing the interests of individuals, corporations, and the public before the government. They play a crucial role in informing lawmakers and the public about issues, keeping tabs on government actions, and advocating for policies that promote their interests at the federal, state, and local levels.
Interest groups vary in the scope of their interests, with some focusing on a particular issue or representing a broad range of interests. For instance, businesses, corporations, or governments often register to lobby for benefits from the legislature, while other interest groups consist of members who pay dues to join voluntarily. Some organizations form alliances and join trade associations representing their industry or field. Interest groups can represent private or public interests, with private interests seeking narrowly distributed benefits that primarily benefit the wealthier members of society. Conversely, public interests aim to represent a broad segment of society or all individuals.
Question 2. Discuss the differences between public and private interest groups. Which areas does each try to influence, and why? From which sources does each of these groups receive the funds needed to function?
There is a debate about whether political donations made by interest groups constitute free speech. Some argue that the First Amendment guarantees the right of these groups to contribute money to political candidates. However, despite contrary Supreme Court rulings, others disagree...
…how they respond to new information.Media coverage of electoral candidates has increasingly shifted towards analysis rather than reporting. Candidate sound bites have become shorter. Nowadays, the press focuses on horse-race coverage of campaigns rather than offering in-depth analysis of candidates and their positions, compelling voters to seek alternative information sources like social media. Contemporary government coverage primarily centers on the presidents actions rather than presidential policies. Conversely, Congress is seldom influenced by the media. Congress members or committees have already discussed most issues covered by the media.
The media can shape discussions and select images, information, and videos to support stories, potentially impacting how individuals vote on social policies and elections.
Question 8. Discuss divided government. Does redistricting have any effect? What is gerrymandering?
Political parties are essential to the functioning of any democratic system. In the early days of the US, influential individuals with differing views on power distribution between the national and state governments established political parties. By 1860, the current two-party structure, with Republicans and Democrats, had emerged. Although various smaller parties have tried to disrupt the existing power…
References
De Bruycker, I., & Rasmussen, A. (2021). Blessing or curse for congruence? How interest mobilization affects congruence between citizens and elected representatives. Journal of Common Market Studies, 59, 909-928. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcms.13108Junk, W. M. (2020). Co-operation as currency: How active coalitions affect lobbying success. Journal of European Public Policy, 27(6), 873-892. https://doi.org/10.1080/13501763.2020.1726017Røed, M. (2023). When do political parties listen to interest groups? Party Politics, 29(2), 374-383. https://doi.org/10.1177/13540688211055937Stevens, F., & De Bruycker, I. (2020). Influence, affluence and media salience: Economic resources and lobbying influence in the European Union. European Union Politics, 21(4), 728-750. https://doi.org/10.1177/1465116520945135
The moderate wing of the Republican Party is rarely heard from in the national media, with the possible exception of U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who tends to side with Democrats when healthcare issues are on the brink of defeat and need that one last vote to pass. In the Republican National Committee (www.GOP.com) Website under "Issues" the GOP does not state a policy or a goal, but rather:
Political Parties and Democracy A central claim of democratic theory is that democracy induces governments to be responsive to the preferences of the people. Political parties serve to organize politics in almost every modern democracy in the world (in both presidential and parliamentary systems). Some observers claim that the parties are what induce democracies to be responsive. In this essay, the author will show this point of democracy being dependent upon
Over the years, the electoral process has changed a lot. As per the original rules, each state legislature selected its electors. The electors would then assemble at a given time and vote for two people. The person with the majority of votes became the president and the runner-up became the vice-president. This system was in practice until the 1800 election. (the Presidential Electoral Process) By 1800, American politics were dominated
Political Parties and Bilingual Education Politics, throughout history, has influenced various decisions. Bilingual Education has been subject to this. This very controversial debate has been a hot political issue throughout all five major political parties. This paper will disucss the background on policy issues, as well as the feelings of the parties regarding bilingual education. It will then throw a pitch as to how to address these differences. Is bilingual education common
The best that they can hope for is to influence a political party to get behind their cause and vote to have it adopted. Political parties on the other hand, have the power and ability to change laws and mandates by their voting clout. References Democratic Party (accessed 5-1-07) http://www.democrats.org/a/party/history.html Interest Groups (accessed 5-1-07) http://ap.grolier.com/article?assetid=0216125-00&templatename=/article/article.html Republican Party (accessed 5-1-07) http://www.mcgop.net/History.htm Walker, Jack L., Jr., Mobilizing Interest Groups in America (Univ. Of Mich. Press 1991).
Political parties are a collection of individuals of similar creed organized to aid in electing members to public positions. The constitution does not mention parties and earlier professionals considered them as dangerous or undesirable. Nevertheless, political parties have resulted in the creation of electoral institutions and other incentives that justify their presence. The very first political parties that were established in America tried to form coalitions to help control the
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