Do pressure groups/interest groups facilitate or frustrate the democratic process?
2006-10-01 03:39:24 · 5 answers · asked by enokc 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
They're a consequence of the democratic process. They are part of it. People who feel passionate about an issue want to form groups to have more influence.
2006-10-01 03:42:34 · answer #1 · answered by Will 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is a difference between lobbying for an idea (or an ideal), and using cash to influence a lawmaker's vote. The first is precisely what we want in a democracy - after all, every time you or I write a letter to our representative, we are essentially a "pressure group" of one.
The sad thing thing is that people have come to equate the second with the first. And the truly sad thing is both are equally legal.
Personally, I believe the only way we will retake democracy from the corporate lobbyists is to remove the financial incentive though something like the public campaign financing they've done in Arizona. Corporations and rich special interest groups will then be forced to rely on the strength of their arguments and not depth of their wallets.
2006-10-01 04:25:42 · answer #2 · answered by Steve 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
THis is so ridiculous! I can't believe how so many people have NO idea what is going on.
Lobbyists and special interest groups are giving millions and millions to buy off our so called "representatives" .
It's not part of "democracy" because businesses in the interest of BUSINESS and not people are ACTUALLY WRITING laws in their favor which usually oppress the workers, the citizens. $ talks in washington. Favors and laws get passed for those who have the most money, and no single citizen group could EVER amass the fortune that will beat them every time that come from corporations.
- oil
-insurance
- pharmaceuticals
- banks
- agribusiness (corporate farms, meat packing companies)
-Credit card companies
etc.....
THere is virtually no one to stand up for the average middle class American in Washington-- except for the voted in officials who end up working FOR corporate interests, not working for the people.
2006-10-01 04:10:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Interest groups go both ways.
BUT, they represent the views of many people that have no access. Like the AARP, or the VFW.
Overall, they are needed.
2006-10-01 03:41:33 · answer #4 · answered by Villain 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are controlling the democrat party and frustrating the democrat voters who can't win elections because of it.
2006-10-01 03:41:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋