Two Assignments I Need Help Studying
Two Assignments I Need Help Studying Fortwo Assignments I Need Help Wi
Two assignments I need help STUDYING FOR Two assignments I need help with for studying ASSIGNMENT 1 INSTRUCTIONS Lobbying is a basic constitutional right found in the 1st Amendment. Thousands of interest groups lobby in Washington and in Sacramento every single day. These groups are all pursuing government decisions in their interest or for purposes they deem to be noble and worthwhile. Donald Trump campaigned in 2016 and again in 2020 calling these groups and their lobbyists out as the "swamp." Why is the interest group system so unpopular with the American people? Be specific.
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The interest group system in the United States, despite being protected by the First Amendment as a fundamental form of free speech and association, has garnered significant unpopularity among the American public. Many citizens perceive these groups and their lobbyists as entities that prioritize special interests over the common good, often leading to a feeling of political cynicism and disillusionment. A primary reason for this dissatisfaction is the perception that interest groups contribute to inequality in political influence, where wealthy organizations and affluent individuals wield disproportionate power compared to average citizens (Baumgartner & Leech, 2001). This economic imbalance fosters a belief that lobbying serves the interests of the wealthy elite rather than the general population, reinforcing the narrative of an unresponsive government. Additionally, the widespread perception of corruption and unethical practices associated with some lobbying activities damages public trust in the political process (Kollman, 2004). Many Americans view lobbying as a "money game," where financial resources determine political success rather than public support or merit. The fact that interest groups often deploy substantial amounts of money to influence legislation and policy decisions exacerbates concerns about undue influence and the buying of political favors (Hojnacki & Kimball, 1998). Furthermore, the perception that policymakers become beholden to powerful lobbies instead of representing their constituents fosters voter cynicism and apathy (Gilardi, 2012). The phrase "the swamp," popularized by Donald Trump, encapsulates this disdain, emphasizing the belief that lobbying creates an entrenched and corrupt political class. Overall, the unpopularity stems from fears of inequality, corruption, undue influence, and the erosion of democratic accountability (Miller, 2014). These factors combined contribute to citizens' skepticism about the transparency and fairness of the political system influenced by interest groups.
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References
- Baumgartner, F. R., & Leech, B. L. (2001). Basic interests: The importance of groups in politics and in political science. Princeton University Press.
- Gilardi, F. (2012). Who influences whom? The impact of interest groups on policymakers. European Journal of Political Research, 51(3), 302-330.
- Hojnacki, M., & Kimball, D. C. (1998). Organized interests and the decision of whom to lobby in Congress. The Journal of Politics, 60(3), 696-720.
- Kollman, K. (2004). Outside lobbying, grassroots mobilization, and issue activation. Political Behavior, 26(1), 25-40.
- Miller, D. (2014). Political influence and interest group power. Journal of Democracy, 25(4), 27-41.