The Influence of Special Interest Groups on the U.S. Government
Special Interests groups have a great impact on governments such as those of the United States, a capitalist institution that bases much of its decisions and legislation on corporate influence. These groups, often referred to as lobbies, may manipulate or persuade government foundations, politicians, and candidates for political office. Though considered unmerited and considerably
What is a special Interest group?
A special interest group is an organization whose members share common concerns and attempt to influence government policies affecting those concerns. They are also known as lobbies; lobbying is one of the ways in which interest groups shape legislation and bring the views of their constituents to the attention of decision-makers.
Types of Interest Groups
Special interest groups have become an unfortunately essential part of global politics. Several kinds of interest groups exist, specializing, so to speak, in different areas of government focal points.· Economic interest groups – The largest category of lobbies, these organizations represent the concept of “big business”, as well as big labor. Some larger associations, such as those concerning trade, may represent entire industries. Examples: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization, and the American Medical Association.
· Public Interest Groups – These groups do not usually expect to profit directly from the policy changes they seek. However, the activists who staff these groups gain financially by attracting donations from individuals and foundations that support their activities. Public interest groups often focus on non-partisanship, eventually engaging in the political activities of those who support them. Examples: Common Cause, League of Women Voters, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
· Government Interest Groups – These organizations attempt to bring the issues of local and state government before Congress and the administration. Government interest groups include the National League of Cities, the National Conference of Mayors, and the National Governors Association. One critical task performed by these groups is to help state and local governments get federal grants. These funds are important because they are a central means in which states get back money taken away through federal taxes.
· Religious Interest Groups – The separation of church and state does not preclude religious interest groups from lobbying; indeed, it is safe to say that all religious groups are involved in politics to some degree. The Christian Coalition, which draws most of its support from conservative Protestants, has an agenda that includes support for school prayer, opposition to homosexual rights, and a constitutional amendment banning abortion.
· Civil Rights Interest Groups - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), the National Organization for Women (NOW), and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force represent groups that historically have faced legal discrimination and, in many respects, continue to lack equal opportunity. Their concerns involve more than civil rights, however, and encompass social welfare, immigration policy, affirmative action, a variety of gender issues, and political action.
· Ideological Interest Groups - view all issues — federal spending, taxes, foreign affairs, court appointments, and so forth — through the lens of their political ideology, typically liberal or conservative. Their support for legislation or policy depends exclusively on whether they find it ideologically sound. Examples: Americans for Democratic Action and the American Conservative Union.
The REAL Impact S.I.G.’s Have on Our Government
Today, the federal government is more vulnerable than ever to the influence of powerful special interests. . The basic obligations of public service are undermined when an official maintains a close relationship with an industry that he or she is overseeing or regulating. The integrity of government is further jeopardized by public officials who use the resources of their office for personal, professional, or financial gain. In combination, Special interest groups have an incredibly high influence on many of the processes that the government undertakes.
*Other Terms You Should Know*
Conflicts of Interest - These arise due to the “cozy” relationship between government officials and specific groups. Officials use their influence for their own personal, professional, and financial gain.
Improper Influence - When officials maintain close relationships in industries that they oversee or regulate.
Politicization – In recent years there have been numerous examples of federal agencies using taxpayer funds to persuade the public to lobby Congress in support of the Executive Branch’s political agenda. This politicization should be better halted and restricted by congress.
Revolving Door - Officials of high influence are passing through the “revolving door,” taking advantage of their public service to further their private employment. The federal government is struggling to retain skilled and morally-sound public servants (politicians) in part because so many individuals wrongly use their office as a stepping stone to the private sector.
By Zack B, Zak C, Kevin H
