Question

Which of the following have the greatest impact in determining and shaping public policy - political parties or interest groups? Be sure to explain your reasoning and support your answer with at least one example.

Answer 1

Someone already asked this question :)
http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/50f58e67e4b061aa9f9ab210

Answer 2

doesn't help :\

Answer 3

@KingGeorge @tkhunny @e.mccormick

Answer 4

You're giving me a test? Which one do you think has the greater impact?

Answer 5

idk that's why i'm asking...

Answer 6

I'll discuss something with you. It seems clear to me that interest groups have the greater influence. Also, political parties are interest groups. But, in my opinion, as corporations have gained greater control over the system, the voters have little choice besides, as George Carlin put it, "Paper or plastic."

I've heard it said, and I believe it, that 400 people control half the wealth in the US.

Answer 7

wat.

Answer 8

Hooray!!! for @DonaldRoyMiller ! Yes, Political Parties ARE Special Interest Group! They are interested in having poser and everyone else not having power.

It must be Special Interest Groups, since you cannot say "Political Parties" without also saying "Interest Groups".

Answer 9

Good point. Special Interest Group.

Saw a funny poster the other day. A little kid walks up to his father, who's reading the newspaper, and the kid says, "Dad, I'm thinking about going into organized crime. The father says, "Government or private sector?"

Answer 10

Interest groups and political parties share the goal of changing what government does, but there are three critical differences:
-Political parties run candidates for office and coordinate activities of elected officials. While interest groups also electioneer, they do not run candidates.
-Major political parties hold certain legal advantages over interest groups when it comes to influencing policy, such as guaranteed positions on electoral ballots.
-The elected members of political parties have a direct influence over government activity because they propose, debate, and vote on policies. Interest groups have an indirect influence: they must either persuade elected officials to support their point of view or help elect candidates who already share their goals.

Answer 11

That's how it works in theory. Ever see Sam Kinneson in "Back to School"? The scene is more accurate than not. :)

Answer 12

what even are you talking about D:

Answer 13

I'm a follower of Noam Chomsky, so I suppose I have a very different take on the "traditional" one about how the system "works."

Answer 14

What I'm talking about is the difference between how the system was set up and how it works right now. I think it should be clear to anyone that corporate control of every aspect of our lives is what we're witnessing at this point in history.

Answer 15

we should be able to vote for worst response ^^