Question

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT!!! I WILL GIVE MEDALS!
1) Should interest groups be allowed to exist and advocate for small segments of society? Are some interest groups better than others? If so, what makes them so? If not, why are they are equal?

Answer 1

I really need help @vicky52

Answer 2

Anyone!?!

Answer 3

In recent years, a concerted effort has been gathering force to allow new immigrants to the United States to vote without becoming citizens. It is being mounted by an alliance of liberal (or progressive, if you prefer) academics and law professors, local and state political leaders most often associated with the Democratic Party or other progressive parties like the Greens, and community and immigration activists. They are working in tandem to decouple the legal standing to vote from American citizenship.

As a result of these efforts, there are several municipalities in the United States that currently allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. Moreover, legislation to allow non-citizens to vote has been introduced in a number of states and localities including Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New York City.

Advocates of non-citizen voting advance many arguments for their initiatives. They point out that non-citizen voting was, at one time, allowed in a number of early American states and territories and that it is currently allowed in other Western democracies. They argue that it is only fair to allow non-citizens to vote since they shoulder many of the responsibilities of citizens, like paying taxes, but are not formally represented. And, they say, allowing non-citizens to vote will have civic value as a training ground for the responsibilities of citizenship.

The list of possible virtues put forward by advocates for allowing non-citizens to vote is a long one. However, to date, there has been no real assessment of these claims and no analysis of the possible impact of implementing these proposals on the immigration process itself, or more generally on American national politics and political culture.

Answer 4

it doesnt say anything about interest groups

Answer 5

@vicky52

Answer 6

Interest groups and lobbying are inevitable and essential components of democratic politics. Though political thinkers like James Madison feared the corrosive effects of factions, interest groups do provide several benefits. When testifying before deliberative bodies, interest groups supply technical information about the activities that governments seek to regulate. Through mobilizing protests and participating in election campaigns, interest groups help elected officials discover how voters are responding to government initiatives.

Many interest groups formed in the early years of the Republic, including the American Anti-Slavery Society (1833), National Trades Union (1834), and American Temperance Union (1836). Groups such as these were able to overcome the free-rider problem and other barriers to collective action. Unfortunately, the resources—money, information, access to authority, bargaining skills—needed for effective organization are distributed unequally, meaning that some political interests will be better represented than others.

The primary goal of all interest groups is survival. Group leaders often spend as much time recruiting supporters and obtaining resources as they do lobbying public officials. Lobbying strategies include both “insider” tactics—cultivating relationships with existing government officials—and “outsider” tactics—grassroots lobbying and demonstrations designed to pressure officials. Many interest groups have also formed political action committees to influence elections. What lobbying strategies a group chooses will depend on the nature of the interests it represents and the resources at its disposal.

The expansion of the interest group universe in recent years has been driven by the expanding scope of government activity. Fragmentation of old interests and the growing specialization of groups has also contributed. The proliferation of interest groups has actually strengthened the hand of elected officials. Politicians control access and are well-positioned to know when particular interests are at stake. With many interest groups on both sides of contentious issues, elected officials can pick and choose according to their own beliefs. Nonetheless, as the number of active groups has increased, it has become more difficult to initiate changes that impose significant costs, even when these are far outweighed by the benefits to the general public.

Answer 7

INTEREST GROUP — an organization that pressures elected officials to enact legislation favorable to its causes.

Answer 8

Underpaid professional workers may organize as groups. Lawyers belong to the AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, doctors belong to the AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, and teachers belong to the NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION or the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS. Labor unions such as the AFL-CIO and the TEAMSTERS' UNION to protect workers in factories or businesses.

The most common type of interest group is formed around businesses, corporations, and trade associations. Part of their reputation for power is based on the fact that they represent about half of all interest groups in Washington. People who criticize interest groups for having undue power in government believe that the business groups get special privileges for people who already have more wealth and power than ordinary citizens. For example, the oil and tobacco industries each have interest groups who promote their respective interests on CAPITOL HILL.

Answer 9

> http://www.ushistory.org/gov/5c.asp <

Answer 10

what is the answer? i cant find it

Answer 11

@vicky52 i still need help

Answer 12

The answer is > These groups claim to work not for self interest but for the best interest of the public. Their reputation for power is based on the fact that they represent about half of all interest groups.

Answer 13

Do you think that interest groups are necessary in a democratic system? Do they help or hurt the political process?

Answer 14

Yes interest groups are necessary but I also think they hurt the political process

Answer 15

IS THAT THE ANSWER?

Answer 16

that's my answer

Answer 17

@vicky52

Answer 18

thanks

Answer 19

Your welcome ;)