Interest Groups APGOV Debate 1/28/13
Are interest groups useful or are they detrimental to a democratic society? Using your book and computer, research theories of both sides. You will be randomly assigned into two sides to carry out this debate. I encourage you to use examples of current interest groups in the media to support your arguments. Each student must post two original posts on their debate side as well as a two responses to posts for the other side. This debate will be due Friday, Feb 1.
Interest Groups Are Useful
Side Score: 37
|
 |
IGs are Detrimental
Side Score: 52
Winning Side! |
|
|
|
|
Interest groups: detrimental or useful. Answer: useful. Why: Often times there are groups of people who have an opinion that they can't get out into the public. When this happens it is often an opinion shared by many others. When something like this happens an interest group can be formed. They form to get their stance on a subject across to others in power who have the ability to change said subject. These men and women may not have the money or reputation or time to get their opinion known on their own. For this reason interest groups are important and useful. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
The idea of how the interest group is deemed useful or productive creates conflict. America is known as the "melting pot", a place were hundreds of different cultures life and thrive together. Having said that, because of people's different backgrounds, there will always be a debate in what is deemed useful and important. Interest groups are unable to satisfy all nationalities especially if they do not have a substantial amount of donations. In America it's simple, if you have money you can make a significant difference, more so than those who are financially lacking. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
Even though interest groups are people trying to get their views out in public, it is not always for the greater good of society. Interest groups form these greater opinions and attempt to get their point across to the larger public, but when it comes down to it- interest groups don't always have the majority of the people, or even their own groups, decisions at heart. More often times than not, interest groups do not take into account the ideals of the majority of their members. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
Interest Groups are very useful in proposing change or voicing an opinion. Interest groups form when a group of individuals come together with a common opinion/stance on a subject and desire to have their voices heard. As a whole, interest groups are beneficial to society because the majority gets to voice their opinion. As the saying goes, people have "power in numbers." Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
It is true that some interest groups may be able to ignite positive change or reform, but it is possible that they can get too much power. We have seen how some interest groups are able to morph into political parties or have a great influence on which candidate is chosen to represent a party. If any one interest group becomes too massive the minority will not be able to voice their opinion. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
People do not have "power in numbers" when taking interest groups into consideration. Yes they may bring people together, but what happens with the money that is given to the interest groups PACs and at the state capital when lobbyists are in negotiations? Do the groups really do what their told by their members? In certain states, like California, people are required to join certain unions and pay membership fees. Some of these members may not have the same view as the Union does. This lessens the amount of power an individual has because their views will be set aside for the common cause within an interest group. This may not happen all of the time, but it does happen. This can be considered by some as an infringement on a persons freedom to vote and speech. Side: IGs are Detrimental
I agree that there are a handful of interest groups today that would be considered beneficial to society. However, to say that they are "very useful" is a slight overstatement. For the American people to depend on a group that believes in a common good and is able to receive a populous vote for such beliefs is a figment of the imagination. A conflict of interest erupts on any given topic because of people differing beliefs, influences, and values held. For those fortunate to voice their opinion , the majority of those people wont actually be the poor or middle class. Such groups that do make changes have three similar things in common, money, using indirect/direct tactics, and having the luxury of friends in positions of power. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
This might be true, however interest groups are only beneficial to society if the opinion is beneficial to the US. Since they can make a lot of change, if it is a negative opinion that a lot of people agree with, it can be detrimental. -Mr. Bray Shakur Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
You're right in describing what an interest group is, but you say that interest groups allow majorities to voice their opinions. Well interest groups cannot be a majority because of how specific they are with in the goals and interests. You can't say that a majority of people are in favor of an interest groups that advocates adopting German work ethics within our labor system when there are so many more that advocate American, Chinese, Japanese, and other work ethics. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest groups are essential to a democratic society. IGs are organizations that consist of individuals with similar beliefs and goals, and try to influence public policy. With the Federalist #10 by James Madison, it is held that these interest groups are vital in such a society because they prohibit the minority from influencing its choices on the majority; they add balance so that common ground is found between two sides. -Sierra Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Although this may have been Madison's original intent for IGs, those are not the ideals followed today. Rather than preventing the minority from influencing the choices of the majority, the minorities are who are most supported. Today, the primary focus is on the wealthier class because they can bring more money to benefit the group. Therefore this gives even greater power to the wealthier class. This creates a bigger gap in society rather than the balance Madison originally invisioned. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
Although interest groups may seem essential to a democratic society, they really aren't. Interest groups attempt to sway public policy only to their benefit. James Madison supported factions, or interest groups, only if a society had a strong national government, otherwise the interest groups would prove very detrimental indeed to American society. The interest groups don't add balance, they tip the scales to favor whatever belief or ideals they choose to emulate- this is not what Madison had in mind. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest groups are useful because even though there are interest groups formed to invalidate the concerns of other interest groups, they are helpful in increasing the public knowledge of issues and topics through discussion and exposing the public to opposing sides and views. One example of those for and against a subject are the IGs for and against abortion. One group that is pro-choice is Emily's List, and one group that is pro-life is the Susan B. Anthony List. Interest groups are more likely to support politicians with the same views (pro-choice - Obama, pro-life - Romney) - Sierra Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
I agree that interest groups are useful when it comes to increasing knowledge of important issues, but will the group with more money always have power over the opposing group? Madison believed that the large size of our nation would allow for many small and diverse interest groups, but perhaps the amount of money these groups possess is a bigger problem then how large they are. We have to be cautious that IGs don't just combine with political parties completely. - Siobhan Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest groups are useful to society because they allow for people to voice their opinions in a manner that promotes movement and change. Interest groups like NAACP, AARP, and the Sierra Club have promoted civil change in our society for decades. They have accomplished reforming the criminal justice system, setting up a retirement system, and raising awareness on environmental issues. Without interest groups to influence policies, governments may be unable to focus on social issues. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
What about when the thing the interest group wants is useful to them but harmful to our society as a whole. Interest cannot be trusted to work in the best interests of the nation. The NRA is, arguably, one example of interest groups working in their best interests but no the nations. Side: IGs are Detrimental
According to Madison, competing interest groups are necessary to good government because they not only give people a means of contributing to the democratic process but also prevent any minorities from pressing its will on the majority. Interest groups therefore help create a healthy democracy. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest groups such as NOW & NAACP provide ways for political action and involvement for people. They provide up-to-date information to their members on affecting political issues. Involvement in a group often sparks greater political involvement, resulting in a more informed and active citizenry. Many people who have been involved in the interest groups, developed an interest or career in politics soon after. President Barack Obama entered politics after a brief career as a community organizer, organizing low-income people for political action. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Pluralism is the idea that democratic politics consists of conflicting groups of individuals that balance each other out for the common good. Interest groups are an integral part of democracy. They allow for people to express their particular opinion on a specific issue. Unlike political parties, they do not attempt to sway the public on every issue nor appease the public for election, but their scope is refined to a particular concern. They ensure the government does not abuse their power. Essentially, they are another way for checks and balances. ~Ruby Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
In the past, interest groups have proven effective and influential. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) fought against racial segregation and unjust laws. This interest group fought in behalf of the people eventually received their freedom from segregation. Organizing the interests of the people in groups allows for the underrepresented people of society have a voice while managing the rule of the majority. Members of a group receive benefits including the advancements in their causes and interest such as protection rights, voting rights, and working rights. Uniting and becoming organized allows for the individual more impact and direct involvement in the government. ~Ruby G Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
The cons are that special interest groups have a one track mind and they rarely look at their opinions from all angles. If one group were to be in complete power think of all the groups that would be shut out. Special interest groups biggest flaw is that their opinions tend to be biased. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
The cons are that special interest groups have a one track mind and they rarely look at their opinions from all angles. If one group were to be in complete power think of all the groups that would be shut out. Special interest groups biggest flaw is that their opinions tend to be biased. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest groups allow individuals to band with a larger population of people who share the same opinions and beliefs as them. Interest groups influence politics in a very positive way because they help people get their voice heard, and larger groups of people are more likely to make a difference in the minds of politicians. They also help politicians to make better, citizen-friendly, decisions out of the best interest of the public. Because of interest groups, individuals have more of an opportunity to make a difference in the political world since groups are usually more influential than just one person. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest groups do not always share a belief that is considered part of the majority. They allow people with a generally uncommon belief to get together with people who share that uncommon belief and share their values and beliefs with other people that would appreciate their opinions and agree with them on most political issues. Interest groups give everyone a voice; even the minority. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Although it is true that interest groups allow the voice of the few to be voiced, the vast majority of what people need is what needs to be dealt with first. Interest groups can help sway the majority, but the democratic vision is that direct needs of the what the majority of people need needs to be dealt with first before the needs of the few. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest groups are, indeed, useful. They serve as a representation of many individuals' opinions. Public policy is the ultimate output of a political system and influencing public policy is the main intent of interest groups. Without interest groups, the public's opinion would not be made known, and there would be no source of influence for public policy. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Studies of the policy process indicate that interest groups often play a central role in setting the government agenda, defining options, influencing decisions and directing implementation. Interest groups are often found to have a substantial impact on policy outcomes. In a study, there is some evidence that contributions may raise the level of involvement in legislation already supported by the legislator. Although interest groups do not necessarily influence people to cast particular votes, they influence public policy and government. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Competing interest groups are necessary to have effective, functioning governments. Interest groups encourage government to focus on topics people find important. It also allows for people to contribute to the democratic process by influencing elections. Interest groups also prevent minority ruling over the majority. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
1
point
You say that interest groups promote the democratic process by influencing elections, but really how many people do you think are involved in interest groups?The only interest groups that have an impact in elections are the ones with a lot of money. I can't just join and interest group and say that I have a major role on who has a chance on becoming president. If it were a contribution to democracy, I would know that every interest group has equal chance to advocate for a politician. Side: IGs are Detrimental
I believe that interest groups are important and useful because they are, in essence, a group of people who have the same opinion and try to influence others without going all the way to the oval office. This is useful because through a group like this the majority of the people who agree with the idea of the group can help apply political pressure on Congress and the President. This would be useful in areas like helping the environment and Global Warming. Getting the general opinion across and show what the people really want. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest groups might get an opinion across, but it is usually what their group wants. If their group is detrimental, then they are going to be pushing a negative opinion. And even within the interest group, the group might not go with what the majority of the group feels. -Mr. Bray Side: IGs are Detrimental
0
points
Interest groups benefit society because the democratic process is all about representation. An interest group by definition is a group of people drawn or acting together in support of a common interest or to voice a common concern. Interest groups allow people to put their voices together and be heard more than they would if they just voiced their opinions on their own. They basically provide the people a megaphone to aid in the voicing of opinions and to ensure that their opinions are taken into account in the political realm. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
1
point
They may serve as a megaphone for people's interest sometimes, but many times there are private agendas involved. It is ideal in definition, but due to the human need for power the groups are quickly turned to corruption. Many times, like the violent protests in Wisconsin by the teacher unions against the Republican state legislatures, the large specific interest groups can outweigh the minority's view point. This in turn creates an uneven democracy where the majority rules. This limits the representation of the minority in the government because of the power and influence that large interest groups have in the federal legislature. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Although it is true that interest groups can voice the thoughts of the people, the amount of power held by these interest groups greatly affect the ability of the people to voice their own opinions because of the way it can interfere with government elections. The amount of influence that an interest group has varies greatly depending on the professed interest of the group and the power that the actual people of the group have. In addition, the goals held by the interest groups may have a negative impact that the interest group would actually perceive to be of value. With the ability to voice their opinions through a “megaphone”, the negative opinions would therefore be amplified. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Although interest groups do try to support a common interest of a group, they typically only do this for a small group. They don't focus on the needs or wants of the majority. Many times, interest groups only focus on groups that would allow them to aquire the most amount of money. In today's economy, the upper class is only a small fraction of America's population. Many interest groups may place focus on the wealthier, rather than the vast majority. This doesn't help the people as a whole. Side: IGs are Detrimental
While this is true, there will always be disagreement. Governments often accomplish little due to the influence of interest groups. There are far too many to please and many people of different people of different nationalities and backgrounds. What may please one will not please the other. Side: IGs are Detrimental
|
Interest groups can be detrimental because it can take power away from the government. The government is full of elected officials that are chosen so they can make special decisions that benefit the people. Interest groups take away from that because they are groups of people who try to change things based on their own personal wants and needs. Interest groups typically do not think of the entire government because they typically care about themselves. At least democrats and republicans have to compromise sometimes to get votes, interest groups can do what they want without other people in mind. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
Interest groups do take away power from the government. The government itself is made up of individuals who were elected into their positions. It is agreed that if interest groups were to succeed in their endeavors, they would take away from the elected officials who are trying to rally for their cause. The interest groups are people who attempt to change things for their own needs and interests, not necessarily the needs of others. This is what is so detrimental to society: there are groups of people who only keep their interests in mind and will only work toward their own goals. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest groups are there to influence opinion, not to do things for personal benefits. That may have something to do with it, I agree. But overall, the main goal is to benefit the people. Interest groups are not thinking of the government because they feel so strongly towards this one specific issue. They're not thinking "This will benefit the government in this way..." They're thinking: "This will benefit the people!" Which is what the people love. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
The interest groups are not necessarily people trying to force their personal wants and needs. They are primarily there to reinforce the opinion of those that can't get their own opinion across. Adversely though, they could be extremely useful instead of detrimental because even though the elected officials are there for the benefit of the people, often they can find themselves varying off of what they said they would do. The interest groups help to keep the elected officials on track. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
3
points
Interest groups are detrimental to politics and the American government because they allocate corruption in the election process. Groups such as National Education provide workers to campaigns to help spread the word of the candidate if they support legislation that the group supports. The interest groups use this power and their resources to help influence the democratic process. Super PACs have also been major detrimental influences to the democratic process. Not only do they use their views to gain support of the candidate, but they provide immense amounts of money to the candidate of their choice. This creates an unfair advantage for that candidate because the more money he has the better chance he has to win the election because the campaign resources to spread the word of the campaign. As this link shows there is an advantage to having support spending. Side: IGs are Detrimental
3
points
Interest groups are also detrimental to the government because of lobbying. ACORN is an example of the negative effects of lobbying because it is a tax-payer money run group that takes personal interest in the government. This over powerful "non-profit" organization uses its lobbyists to influence the vote of several different issues. This group even had help from President Obama in the 1990s. They want mass distribution of wealth which can be detrimental to the government because it is a socialist based government control. This group is an extremist interest groups. Side: IGs are Detrimental
While interest groups can be just a collection of people with similar views or common objectives, they also can have a great amount of power politically. Interest groups utilize lobbying to pressure policy makers to act in their favor. In the past tobacco companies have financially supported candidates so that when elected those politicians would perhaps defend tobacco companies and keep them from losing money. Being able to "buy" politicians is definitely detrimental to society and makes our system of government corrupt. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
Though interest groups have advocated for a negative change at times, the positive effects far outweigh the negative ones. Positive interest groups are NAACP who advocates for African American rights, NOW who attempts to voice the concerns of women in society, and the NRA who voices their opinion on gun rights. These are only a few of the many interest groups working to make a positive impact on society. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
The NAACP is a type of special interest group (or a "faction" as J. Madison has described), where it promotes an area of specific interest and lobbies money in support of their purposes and goals. Another example of a successful and influential IG is PETA, an interest group that was established in order to minimize, or in some cases abolish, the harsh treatment of animals. They have influenced an array of individuals, from normal people to celebrities. One of the most popular strategies of PETA is to advertise and instruct people of these negative issues dealing with animals by having campaigns with celebrities. -Sierra Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
2
points
Interests groups are often biased when it comes to taking in all sides of a problem; they often focus solely on their side and hardly look at opinions from all angles. Interest groups are especially detrimental because if one group were to be in complete power, then all the other groups would suffer from it. Also, some interest groups can have an unfair influence. Interest groups with the most money and the best type of organization often gain great influence over the government, even if their ideals are not that popular or supported by the majority of their members. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
Though interest groups are often biased in taking in all sides of a problem, they do serve a positive purpose in society. Interest groups can be viewed as sports teams, always in competition with each other. This competition will ensure that each interest group works to be the best and most influential group it can be. This constant competition also ensures that one single group does not gain complete and total power. Interest groups let the majority be heard and help advocate for change. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
IGs are formed based on the interests of the people who have a particular opinion for a topic. One group would not dominate because there are hundreds, even thousands, of interest groups that focus on different topics. With so many variations and each person belonging to different groups, it would be difficult, near impossible, for one interest group to dominate all the others. In addition, the government has the final say about creating laws. There will never be a IG that forms that does not have another group opposing. Newton said a law in physics that is applicable here: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” For example, an interest group will form that is pro-stricter gun laws and another group will form that is anti-stricter gun laws. The overpowering of one interest group should not be feared. ~Ruby G Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Although interest groups may be biased, there is usually another interest group that has the exact opposite beliefs that are equally as biased. This is not exactly detrimental because the biases of these two groups negate each other, and they just become two groups of people arguing, just like everyone else in politics. Anyone with more money is going to be more influential. When it comes to government, some of the most influential and important people are not particularly the smartest, but are those with the most money. This is no different with interest groups, and is an unavoidable truth. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest groups are by definition biased, I will admit. They have reason to be though. They could have personal experiences with what they're talking about to have that specific opinion. The point of interest groups though is not though to take "complete power" but instead to influence those in power to do what the majority want them to do. Besides, the Democrats and Republicans have been known to have a majority of the power in different houses and under different presidents, making the opposite party suffer. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
A key point in your argument is "personal experiences." Personal experiences often do not reflect the majority of people because in fact they are "personal." If the group's personal experience was negative to that particular group but not the majority of people, it can in fact be detrimental. -Mr. Bray-Shakur Side: IGs are Detrimental
There is nothing wrong with showing your support for a political movement, but using money to bribe people so that you can get what you want is unethical. Last year many of the companies that favored the Dream Act spent millions of dollars lobbying. HP alone spent over $6 million to support the Dream Act. The fact that companies are able to have such a large influence is very dangerous. The government needs to be able to maintain its power or else it may fall apart. Side: IGs are Detrimental
The main purpose of lobbyists is not to bribe people in order to get promotional benefits for themselves, but rather to activate and reinforce the supporters of their IG. Though IGs provide significant expenditure, they just intend to spread the word of the issue. They may influence others to think differently on a subject whether it's positive or negative, and do not necessarily force their ideals upon people. These opposing IGs also instruct those who are naive on certain subjects. People are entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, and do not necessarily have to listen to the IGs that they disagree with. -Sierra Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
The money goes towards supporting the movement rather than as a bribe. The political candidate is not suppose to use it for personal use, but rather for the cause the interest group supports. For example, the NRA is more likely to side with a Republican because of similar viewpoints on gun control. The NRA may donate $5 million to a Republican candidate, but the candidate can't freely use it for vacations or so forth. The money would be spent towards getting the candidate into office to enact change that the NRA and its members believe is positive. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest groups can be detrimental to a democratic society because it can interfere with the democratic process that would support the interests of the majority of people belonging to that society. People’s opinions, voiced in the form of the election of government officials, is detracted from through political interest groups. With interest groups such as ACORN, the ideas of a few were amplified to be just as powerful as the ideas of the many. In the 2008 election, ACORN's support of President Obama and the Democratic party led to massive lobbying and voter fraud that led to the majority (52%) of Republicans believing that the organization was responsible for the election of President Obama. Side: IGs are Detrimental
1
point
Interest Groups are simply detrimental to our political system and society. From previous history, interest groups and organizations such as the railroad, standard oil, steel, etc. have tend to cause more harm than good during the early 1900s. These groups could rely on clients within congress who depend on these monopolies to vote in favor of these companies. Today, less monopolies exist, but the concept remains the same. Politicians rely so much on endorsements for the next election that they allow these groups to determine the political decisions that they were voted into office to perform. Side: IGs are Detrimental
First of all, the railroad, standard oil, and steel were companies usually run by a few millionaires. These were the leaders of the companies such as John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Interest groups are formed by masses of people that share interests. Millionaires would not join an interest group for their company; they would not have the power of numbers to make an interest group successful. These companies in history did not have a major impact on swaying the policies of the government. They had an enormous impact on the manufacturing industries and economy of America. ~Ruby Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
While I do agree that these were companies, not interest groups, and that the original post doesn't really apply to the prompt, I would like to point out that these companies did have considerable political power. What they lacked in numbers they more than made up for in cash. With their vast amounts of money they were able to influence legislator in ways that were favorable to them, such as placing high tariffs on oil and steel to protect their companies from foreign competition. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest Groups are detrimental for various reasons. The idea pluralism comes from various interest groups working against one another, but at the same time, balancing each other out. Ideally, this sounds like a good idea, but in reality there are many flaws in pluralism. The main issue is that with the many interest groups there are never grounds where everyone is happy. Interest groups don't necessarily carry the concept of democracy because rather than focusing on the common good for the majority, the focus would be on minority groups. They also tend to pay little attention to the poor due to the lack of money they can privide. Eventually in a society where Interest Groups are gaining much control, hyperpluralism occurs. This results in government focusing on the interest groups rather than the people. Many critics believe that once in this state, the government can't really make any major accomplishments or decisions. Ultimately interest groups cause issues within the society and the government. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Another issue is the fact that with interest groups come lobbyists. Lobbying is the action of making a "deliberate attempt to influence political decisions through various forms of advocacy directed at policymakers on behalf of another person, organization or group." With this activity, however, there comes many ethical issues. Through lobbying there have been many scandals involving the behavior of those involved. This has been a common issue in American ideals because the goals of lobbyists aren't always fair or transparent. One example of a lobbying scandal was that of Jack Abramoff. Not only was he involved in gambling and overcharging clients, Abramoff also admitted to fraud, tax evasion, and the bribary of public officials. This is just one example of the many issues with lobbyists. Interest groups are detrimental because they produce lobbyist, who aren't always fair or right. http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/ Side: IGs are Detrimental
donationsunesroups are without a doubt detrimental to a democratic society. Since the birth years of America, political theorists such as James Madison have warned against the formation of factions or interest groups. As stated in Federalist 10 concerning factions, the “instability, injustice, and confusion introduced” could lead to the “heaviest misfortunes” for our democracy. Despite warning by early leaders, America has become oblivious and are currently suffering the consequences through topics such as gun control. Since 1871, the NRA has developed into a superpower interest group. Affecting congressional policies on the topic of gun control policies, especially in the past month. The NRA is at a stand still with Congress, standing firmly on their belief against gun-control assault weapon ban. This interest group is no longer taking into consideration the opinions of their members, when 73% of their members were actually for bans proposed by Congress. The NRA is oblivious to any proposition that would help keep Americans safe, remaining in opposition towards any acts that would cause them to lose “donations”. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest groups revolve around three basic principles, money, power, and resources. Favoring those with more time and money to contribute rather than the interest of the poor. Because of such selfish motives, interest groups have lacked on representing the common good of their members. I see interest groups today falling under the category of the elite theory; few groups who are mostly wealthy receiving all the power. This theory created a very narrow minded and greedy spectrum of members. An example would be the NBWA, this interest group is responsible for the representation of distributors of beer. Now we all know that nutritionist and doctors advise against the consumption of alcohol, yet they’re interest groups defending against such beliefs. The NBWA believes it is providing “economic, commercial, and regulation value” which will intern create some type of positive impact on Americans. NBWA strongly advising that such positive contributions to society should mask their push for the consumption of beer, which causes 31% of all traffic fatalities (according Century Council) . Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest groups favor those who choose to exercises their right to be politically active. A member does not need to work a forty hour week or donate millions to support the cause; attending an occasional rally or making small donation is sufficient enough to support many large interest groups. People join interest groups because they group supports similar causes as they do, so overall interest groups are like a collective group that supports majorities. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
In James Madison's Federalist Paper #10, he argued that when a large number of people banded together they could influence legislator in a way that was influential to them but often times detrimental to minority groups and the country as a whole. He also thought that as this country grew it would be extremely hard for a large enough group to form to effect such negative change because it would have to be on an issue to that effected many people over multiple regions and all those people would have to organize themselves. Unfortunately James Madison could not have predicted the level of organization and collaboration afforded by the Internet and other telecommunication structures. He if were alive today he would be alarmed at the abilities of large groups to quickly form and influence legislator to influence legislator for their benefit. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Interest Groups: Detrimental Interest groups are founded with the intention to benefit the common good. There is no such thing as the common good because there are so many conflicting interests in society: What is good for one person is often bad for others. Interest groups interfere with democracy because they seek benefits for a minority of people rather than the greater good of the majority. The National Rifle Association, for example, has repeatedly blocked new gun control legislation despite the fact that a majority of Americans actually want stricter gun laws.The interest group system is really effective only to economic interest groups, which have greater financial resources at their disposal. Nearly two-thirds of lobbyists in Washington represent economic groups. Interest groups tend to ignore the interests of the poor in favor of middle- and upper-class Americans, who have more time and money to contribute. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Too many interest groups can lead to demosclerosis, the inability of the government to accomplish anything noteworthy. Competing interest groups flood the government with different complaints, wants, and needs to the point where there is no single decision that will subdue everyone. Side: IGs are Detrimental
Government is always going to be flooded with disagreement and complaining, despite the number of interest groups there are. Interest groups just give people a way to voice their points in a group as opposed to as a singularity. Although they do have an influence on politics, politicians are still always going to make decisions based on the opinions of the majority. Side: Interest Groups Are Useful
Interest groups can never be trusted to work for the benefit of the country as a whole. They are only concerned with furthering their own interests. The NRA are not concerned with how a banning of guns would reduce crime and keep our nation safe, they are only concerned with preserving their hunting hobbies. It would be wrong to keep these groups from being able to voice their opinions, but legislation should be passed to limit their power and keep them from crippling our government. Side: IGs are Detrimental
There are many problems that have been associated with interest groups attempting to better their interests as they are usually only focused on protecting the interests of a few. Although these groups say that they are attempting to increase the good, usually their own thoughts are biased and therefore irrelevant in relation to this.This influence that an interest group has can also create problems as the bribing and lobbying associated with interest groups can easily lead to corruption on the part of political parties. An examples of this recently occurred less than a week ago were several citizens refused to allow legislators to talk about health care reform. Several interest groups were involved in the incident including FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity and Side: IGs are Detrimental
|
