2007-11-14 09:02:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Interest groups are a very positive presence in American Politics. It's just another way for Americans to band together based on their interests and try to be heard. Most special interest groups believe they are working toward the COMMON good. And should be able to voice their opinions. And to me it doesn't matter if the group is anti-abortion, pro-choice, environmentalists, peace activist, pro war groups, whatever!
The problem is when corporations, unions, and wealthy Americans are able to funnel HUGE amounts of cash to several different politicians, sometimes from both parties, in order to make more profit for THEMSELVES.
2007-11-14 10:37:43 · answer #1 · answered by Michael S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are a necessity in any democracy. Whether a group is a positive or a negative depends on your personal political beliefs.
2007-11-14 09:16:04 · answer #2 · answered by baileybc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally negative, since they have come to distort the political process, resulting in corruption and pandering.
However, a small minority of interest groups actually represent interests that are genuinely downtrodden or otherwise need attention called to thier plight. Even so, we need a better mechanism than lobbying to get that attention.
2007-11-14 09:07:06 · answer #3 · answered by B.Kevorkian 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The spectrum is broad. Both.
From lobbyists, that anti-democracy pestilence to
Civil-Rights protection groups with minor influence.
2007-11-14 09:13:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes & No.
Every single one of us has 30 to a 100 Interest Groups that lobby Congress for us.
Some of them we would like...... some we would hate.
They use us for their own agenda, which is "supposed" to help us.
2007-11-14 09:14:08 · answer #5 · answered by dinamuk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Special interest groups do alot of research into what people want need, and think. They also are involved in a hole lot of bribery and corruption.
Get rid of them.
2007-11-14 09:13:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Both. It depends on what interest, and whether or not protecting that interest comes at the expense (often both literally and figuratively) of other, equally important interests.
2007-11-14 09:06:05 · answer #7 · answered by David 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Both. Corruption would easier to spot without them, but they are an excellent way for Americans to pool their resources and influence.
People usually oppose the PAC's that represent ideals they do not believe in, while staying silent about their own.
2007-11-14 09:07:52 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They are a given and can be good or bad depending on what they are advocating.
2007-11-14 09:05:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋