Shift to urban and suburban societies
away from rural communities.
Many different viewpoints in
close physical proximity
Might not be well represented by political
party in power in the geographical location.
American political system
has many ‘access points’
Democracy and easy access to politics is seen as constitutionally
important (Against distant monarchy pre-war of independence).
Decisions are not just made at a Federal level so may be that people can influence policy
more (see: Elections: Direct democracy in the form of propositions and initiatives)
Political parties in decline
(?!) or ‘big tent coalitions’
Parties are not centralised – 50 party nation theory?
Policies from Parties are too broad (catch-all policy making
might end up not really representing the electorate).
Pressure groups
promotes Democracy
American society is founded on economic individualism and laissex
faire market practices - pressure groups are just emulating this.
They offer choice and respond to political supply and demand
If a particular group in society is damaged by certain govt policies
interest groups can movilise and create change in society
Govt has grown too large and too pervasive. Pressure groups are
goods things as they keep the power in the hands of the individuals
American society had become so disparate that political parties
no longer represent the interests nor will of the "real" people
Traditional class-based politics no longer truly represent
the electorate's interests in the USA. Interest groups can
help respond to cross-class cleavages like the war in Iraq.
Increased activity from pressure groups increases political
education. People today in the digital age are now far more
aware of what's going on thanks to pressure groups
The problem isn't the pressure groups it's the revolving
door-syndrome where lobbyists rule Capitol Hill.
Pressure groups
demote democracy
Interest groups are the key driving force in American
politics - the government should exist just to mediate
their interests and should just follow their lead
The govt ends up offering too much to
pressure groups which leads to massive
overspending and economic deficits.
Single issue and special issue pressure groups have fractured
American politics to the extent that society cannot function.
If the govt's power was scaled-back and power given to
pressure groups then more people woul suffer as a result
Special interest or single interest groups have too much
power and can actually bring about inequality and elitism
Businesses are in a stronger position than social issue pressure groups
and so the distribution of power is not fair in American politics.
Businesses are over privileged because they have access to huge
financial sums which "lubricate" the policy-making system.
The same groups and classes at the bottom of the heap 30 to 40 years ago are
still there. Perhaps the new system of politics hasn't improved things much
Religion has too much influence in govt. The religious
right in particular is muddying the political water.
Pressure groups actually hinder
equality as much as they promote it.
Poor women, LGBT and AA are held in their lowly
position in American due to Pressure groups
The work of pressure groups has meant that politics operates on a "boo-hurrah"
rhetoric which is very unhelpful in today's extremely complex world.
The proliferation of political groups "particularly at the left and right wing
fringes have meant that pressure groups actually have less power today.
Influence on individuals
Raising Public awareness (e.g. Healthcare smare campain Obama
Benefits of joining PGs - NRA insurance, Banking
Influence on Elections
Negative
Spending on Smear campaign, 2004 - Kerry vertain
campaign, 2008 - most smear ever from Republican
Endorsement
Endorsement by Pressure groups - American
Comservative Union (grade cards - most conservative)
NRA endorse pro gun politican's
Contrition to PACs - direct funding, Super
PAC's mass indirect spending $45billion in 2012
Automobile Workers Union (PAC) will indorse with money
Republcian over Climate change myth approach
Super PACs Romney vs. Obama 2012 - small pressure
groups ran campaigns support Romney on Business