P2 By Ceciliana Rexach Submission Date: May 25, 2018 01:08 P ✓ Solved

P2by Ceciliana Rexachsubmission Dat E 25 May 2018 0108pm Ut C

Discuss the relationship between interest groups and government, including how government-created interest groups and bureaucrats as interest groups function. Analyze the implications of the crossover between bureaucrats and interest groups, including specific examples, and consider current political contexts. Incorporate at least one scholarly peer-reviewed reference and the textbook “Political Science: An Introduction” by Roskin et al. (2014) with proper APA in-text citations.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Interest groups are a fundamental component of the political process, serving as intermediaries that influence government policy and decision-making. Their relationship with government is complex, characterized by collaboration, influence, and sometimes conflict. This paper explores the dynamics of interest groups within the political landscape, especially focusing on government-created interest groups and the role of bureaucrats as interest groups, analyzing their effects and ethical implications.

The Relationship Between Interest Groups and Government

Interest groups are organized collectives that seek to influence public policy to benefit their members or causes. Their relationship with government is symbiotic; they provide expertise, mobilize voters, and lobby policymakers in exchange for access and influence. For instance, professional associations like the American Medical Association (AMA) actively lobby the government on healthcare policies (Roskin et al., 2014). These groups can either support or oppose legislation, aligning their interests with governmental agendas or challenging them.

Government-created interest groups, also called \"public interest\" groups or government lobbies, are established by government agencies to promote policies consistent with government goals or to mobilize public support for specific initiatives. An example is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which influences policy related to infrastructure and environmental management. These groups can serve as extensions of government authority, shaping public opinion and policy implementation. Their existence blurs the line between official government entities and independent interest groups, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

Influence of Bureaucrats as Interest Groups

Bureaucrats—career officials within government agencies—often act as interest groups due to their expertise, experience, and vested interests in maintaining certain policies or budgets. They influence policy formulation and implementation directly, advocating for departmental priorities. For example, regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employ bureaucrats who lobby internally and externally for environmental regulations beneficial to their agency's mission (Roskin et al., 2014).

This crossover may result in bureaucratic capture, where agencies prioritize their interests over public accountability. On the one hand, bureaucrats' expertise enhances policy quality; on the other, it risks bias and undue influence, potentially undermining democratic accountability. For example, during the Trump administration, some EPA bureaucrats fiercely defended existing policies, reflecting their interest in preserving agency functions and policies (Harrison, 2018).

Ethical and Political Implications

The merging of bureaucrats and interest groups raises ethical concerns about undue influence and the balance of power. While expertise can improve policy decisions, it may also lead to favoritism and reduced transparency. Critics argue that bureaucrats acting as interest groups can undermine democratic processes by escalating their influence beyond public scrutiny. Conversely, supporters contend that bureaucrats' specialized knowledge is essential for effective governance.

Current politics reveal ongoing debates about the influence of government employees and interest groups. For example, the role of the pharmaceutical industry’s influence on drug regulation in agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exemplifies these concerns (Carpenter, 2018). Such interactions demonstrate the importance of transparency and regulation of interest group activities within government.

Conclusion

In summary, the relationship between interest groups and government is multifaceted, involving collaboration, influence, and sometimes conflict. Government-created interest groups and bureaucrats acting as interest groups significantly impact policymaking, often raising questions about ethics and democratic accountability. Understanding these relationships is crucial in evaluating the fairness and integrity of contemporary political processes.

References

• Carpenter, D. (2018). Reputation and power: Organizational image and pharmaceutical regulation at the FDA. Princeton University Press.
• Roskin, M. G., Cord, R. L., Medeiros, J. A., & Jones, W. (2014). Political science: An introduction (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.