Essays on Interest Groups

Democracy precisely means a type of government where the people have sovereign powers, and they exercise the powers either directly or through their elected officials. Globally, the United States of America is respected as the father of first liberal democracy. The USA adopted a constitution on 1788 that stipulated the requirement for an elected government and safeguarded the civil rights and liberties of its citizens. In the early days of the constitution, democracy became a way of life.
The US Constitution divided the national government into three sections, namely; the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. The constitution was Continue reading...

The role of special interest groups in American politics has been highly contentious. The national interest is a amalgam of varying private interests all vying for attention on the national stage. Instead of encouraging citizen involvement, special interest groups have magnified the fissures of the American political system. In this paper, I will discuss the role that special interest group play in public policy, examine the campaign reform movement and the pro’s and con’s.
Interest groups were a concern that the Founding Fathers had since the founding of our nation. Modern day citizens hold the sentiment that Continue reading...

Many policies have indeed been developed in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the health sector. Different nurse-theory models can be used for policy making. Such models include the policy-stream model, the rational approach, instrumentalism and the stage –sequential model (Feldman and Alexander, 2012). The gaps evident in the healthcare systems undoubtedly affect people of all ages, ethnicities, races and also income levels hence the need for appropriate policies. The paper will focus on instrumentalism and the rationale for its selection.
Instrumentalism approach in policy making is largely the function of the institutions established so as to govern Continue reading...

Abstract

This paper is on the topic of Interest group and political parties. The first section of this paper will discuss the how interest groups and political parties influence the American political process. The second section will discuss the positive and negative influences they have on the democratic process. The third section of this paper will discuss the impact of interest groups and political parties on democratic elections and government operations. The fourth section will discuss if the interest groups are growing or if they are in decline. The fifth section will discuss the impact of fundraising and money on Continue reading...

Parties in Action and Interest Groups

Introduction:
Political parties have always been part of American society from the earliest times of the Republic, but since the Civil War, it has been the Republican and the Democratic parties who have ruled the roost. The Democratic Party has always been known as the party of the downtrodden and the poor, but for over a century it was also known as the party of white racial supremacy. The Republicans on the other hand grew out of the emancipation movement but eventually steered to the right of the political spectrum ever since the Democrats took up the mantle of Continue reading...

Although the term “lobbyist” was coined during the administration of President Ulysses Grant, the practice had long been in use before President Grant’s administration. Therefore, lobbying is not a new phenomenon in the United States. In simple terms, lobbying refers to the practice of making attempts to influence government decisions and policies. Although lobbying takes place at every level of government, in many of the occasions, lobbyists target congresspersons with the aim of explaining how the interest groups that they represent would be affected by certain policy decisions. Although viewed by the media and the public with deep Continue reading...

My State is Oklahoma and my representatives are all Republican. The Senior Senator is Jim Inhofe and the Junior Senator is Thomas Coburn. The Representative seat is held by Representative of District Five James Lankford. This paper shall briefly discuss the three gentlemen with a view of bringing out their biographies, campaign financing, voting record and interest groups that support them. Additionally, the paper shall discuss what I personally like about each of them, what I dislike and conclude by observing whether I would vote for each of them based on the information gathered.

Jim Inhofe

Jim Inhofe was born in Continue reading...

The presentation of information in a media article, writers need to consider various factors that influence the morale of the readers. In presentation, a writer need to make the material that he presents a very compelling argument that helps readers to understand the perspective of the two antagonizing groups. The analysis of the mode of presentation of the various issues that prevail in the article, The Tea Party, will show the various successes and failures in presenting the real issues in the society.
The party involves exchanges that took place during a campaign period in which various individuals that Continue reading...

Regulatory capture occurs in the context of formulation of government regulations. It refers to the situation whereby the agency intended to protect the public interest falls short of that objective. Instead of advancing the public interest, the agency succumbs to the interests of sectarian interest groups and lobbyists in the relevant industry. This phenomenon leads to a captured agency, that is, the agency is incapacitated and unable to defend the public interest.
Regulatory capture is observed as a government failure. It is a byproduct of the capitalist economic system where every market player seeks to promote his own needs. Continue reading...

The case of the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) involved heavy participation of issue networks. Various interest groups and individuals, albeit loosely, form issue networks to support particular issues for public policy formation. The NLSP found support from issue networks formed by interest groups formed by interest groups on nutrition and consumer advocacy, associations formed by concerned professionals and networks of private sector groups (Stillman, 2009).
Prior to the implementation of the NLSP in 1946, concerns over nutrition deficiency in children have emerged. Whereas the NLSP became successful in implementing reforms to ensure the well-being of children in terms Continue reading...

There are several special interest groups in the US, and each one of them strives to influence government policy decisions which affect them. The interest groups range from economic, religious, racial and foreign policy among others. Over the years, the highly educated and upper-income groups have been the most successful, and this category includes people with economic and occupational interests. Nevertheless, less educated and lower-income groups have also made an impact, and this category includes economic underdogs, women, blacks and Native Americans. Although special interest groups are still relevant in making policy decisions, political parties have a greater impact Continue reading...

Special Interests

Aside from national security, national interest and overall economic capacity of the American nation in both national and international affairs, the federal government also takes into consideration special interests that would aid the country prosper domestically to add to the powerful image the US has already possesses. Things such as labor unions, human rights, civil regulations and the like are just some of the other points of interest for the government to improve on in terms of programs and policies. However, unknown to many, unions and organizations assist and pressure the federal government and its policymakers in making policies Continue reading...

- How the U.S constitution governs and affects the intergovernmental relations in the United States.
Since the ratification of the United States constitutions more than 200 years ago, there have existed some controversial issues concerning the relationships between the state government and the national government. The main controversies always appear when the following two questions are asked. The first question is always about the nature of the union between the state governments and the federal government. The other questions that appears to be ambiguous with regard to the relationship between the two governments is always about the authority, duties, Continue reading...

Any social, economic or political system that is based on organised structures and defined rules of engagement would entertain some form of bureaucracy. In the operations of the complex American political system, bureaucracy is entertained from the very onset. It is becomes a political controversy merely in relation to a different understanding and analysis by scholars and politicians alike. However, it should be appreciated that the American bureaucracy due to its complexity can be perceived in various levels and perspectives. The fact that the political system itself entertains two tiers of government, that is the federal and the state Continue reading...

The history of lobbying is quite old, long and complex. People of similar opinions and beliefs regarding a certain issue have always formed their respective special interest groups. In the United States, the idea of special interest groups has for many years aroused mixed reactions from different quarters. Some people condemn it as vile result of democracy, while others tolerate them and actively engage them. A decade ago, the scope of federal health policy was perhaps too small to attract the attention of special interests groups in health. But today, the role of lobbyists in health policy making is Continue reading...

Special Interests: Interest Groups

For politics to move swiftly and efficiently, it is not just the presidents/prime ministers, legislators, and the judiciary who mold and shape one’s government and political arena. There are also political actors, such as interest groups, which influences a nation’s politics whether in a positive light or in a controversial light. As of the present time, these interest groups influence as to how legislators and leaders of the administration take precedence as to how policies are made, how government funding is allocated, and how should government action be interpreted by specific sectors in society. While some often Continue reading...

An interest group is an organized group of people who share the same goals and constantly try to influence the direction of public policy. Interest groups include but are not limited to professional associations, labour unions and intergovernmental unions. The membership of interest groups varies from hundreds to millions. The ideas and views represented by interest groups are often a representation of the interests of citizens. In the United States of America, the interest groups often exist because of the weakness of the political system in which the legislative and the executive branch operate as separate entities. In the Continue reading...

Arguably, interest groups are exceptionally strong in the political field. As a matter of fact, political power in states such as Texas relates to the availability of resources and needs of organizations and groups that actively engage themselves in the political process. Texas is among the top states with very strong systems of interest groups. This system is viewed to be strong in Texas due to the fact that political parties are very weak. In the past, the critical institution was mostly dominated by agriculture, oil, gas, as well as financial institutions that relate to interest groups, which led Continue reading...

1. What is the role of congress in policy making process?
A policy is defined as a course of action that is established by the legislature, executive or the judiciary to influence the behaviors and decisions of the citizens in a federal state. Policy making process is not a monopolized affair and, therefore, involves decisive interactions among all arms of the government and the public participation. The congress and the President participate mutually in the legislative roles to a greater extent. However, their roles are made distinct at some point. The Congress is mandated in Law making, representation of Continue reading...

Introduction

The United States of America is a federal government. In that aspect, the Constitution anticipates the sharing of power between the states and the national government. Ideally, that is what informed the Federalists spirit towards the creation of the United States of America. This paper is based on the federalism envisaged by the United States Constitution.
U.S. Constitution governing and affecting intergovernmental relations
The United States Constitution expressly provide for the precedence that ought to take place in cases of clashes between the national and state government. According to the Constitutional supremacy clause, the Federal Government is given preeminence. Continue reading...

Chapter 1:1. Define the State.
2. Define Power
Power - is a capability to impose one`s will, to affect the activities and behavior of other people, even in contradiction to their resistance. Political power – is an ability of one individual or a group of individuals to control behavior of citizens and of society on the basis of state aims.
3. Distinguish Authority from Legitimacy
Legitimacy – is consent of the people with power, when they voluntarily recognize its right to make binding decisions. Authority – is limited responsibilities and rights, formally granted to anyone in order to let him commit Continue reading...

Interest groups play a major role in the United States politics. These groups are associated with both negative and positive effects on the democracy of the United States. The interest groups are mainly formed with an aim of achieving certain goals that are best known to the members. This research paper will evaluate whether the interest groups have negative or positive impacts on United States democracy.
The interest groups engage in politics so that they can get political assistance to achieve their objectives. They do this by ensuring that they support politicians who will listen to them and take Continue reading...

Campaign finance is used about the funds that are raised during campaigns to promote the activities of political parties, candidates or to support policies during referendums, elections or initiatives. Political campaigns involve very much expenditure that include the cost of traveling for staff and candidates, consulting, direct costs of communicating with the voters, campaign logistics, publicity and production of campaign materials. Campaign financing is different depending on the country. In the Great Britain, for example, television advertising is sponsored freely for all parties campaigning and can only be limited by law, whereas, in the United States of America, television Continue reading...

Interest groups and factions have existed since the beginning of the United States, as James Madison recognized, and political parties throughout American history have been coalitions of interest groups. Corporations and lobbyists representing the upper classes and various big business interests have always been a major influence on Congress and the entire political system, particularly since the nation began to industrialize after the Civil War. They have been well-represented by the Federalist, Whig and Republican Parties for over 200 years, while in the past the Democratic Party was led by the Southern slaveholding interests and also claimed to represent Continue reading...

The United States has often been labeled as being exceptional as far as international politics are concerned. Exceptionalism is the belief that the U.S. is different compared to other nations because it is tasked with the specific world mission of spreading liberty and democracy. This rooted belief in America’s exceptionalism has been echoed by President Obama’s persistent utter that there could be no contradiction about American exceptionalism. However, growing opposition from various interest groups has attracted criticism on whether there is still much hope about American exceptionalism. Presently, interest groups play the most domineering role in modern Continue reading...

Both regimes believe in use various criterion for eligibility of benefits and social programs; however, the authority over one criterion over the other differentiate the welfare in each regime. Ideally, the social democrats back all welfare programs and activities including long-term welfare, which aims at ensuring that resources are distributed equally among citizens of a country. This socialism ideology came about because of religious, communal, and occupational groups that considered solidarity and empowerment of the people. Unlike the social democrats, the conservatives do not support welfare activities (Korpi 13). Categorically, they believe that those in need should be given Continue reading...

Introduction

Australian tourism policy is a significant domain for exploration due to its realistic and theoretical significance. It is of sensible importance due to demand of global travels for government assistance in decisions related to the necessities of services and facilities, mutual negotiations with aviation, communications with additional segments, application of govt. possessed reserves including domestic parks for appeal, the culmination of tourist visas, and financing of specific marketing places . The official authorities have the right to procure the political firmness, safety, lawful and the monetary structure which Australian tourism demands and governments deliver necessary services and fundamental infrastructure. The Continue reading...

Elitism from perspective of pluralism and behavioralism

Elitism theory assumes that the country is run by a ruling class that has the social and economic weight, the knowledge and experience, and the power to make decisions and set policy and this is preferred because the public is not capable of making decisions about policy. Pluralism faults elitism theory for ignoring the impact of interest groups and institutional influence on power. Dahl recognized the dilemma of a society run by elitist from a pluralism point of view; elitists remove the incentive for people with the least power to undertake political activity. Pluralism states that citizens do have Continue reading...

The issue of privacy of persons has become a common point of argument in many countries. Several people incessantly complain that social network sites have scrapped all the privacy of individuals. However, the latest area of concern is privacy of internet users. Currently, due to the rising cases of insecurity and threats of terrorism, most governments have initiated modalities through which peoples information can be shared through various organizations inclusive of governmental security offices. To top it off, video camera surveillance systems have been fitted in residential houses of individuals, workplaces, and all other public places such as social Continue reading...

International Political Economy

International Political Economy

Introduction

Interest groups, domestic politics, and institutions, both domestic and international, are important factors that determine the foreign economic policy of a given country. Interest groups perform certain obligations, based on their capability to regulate competing industries to ensure safe and free trade. Besides, political leaders are required to execute some demands from the voters as pertains to the economy of the country to secure them a win in next elections. Finally, institutions form a link between countries undertaking international trade as they sign treaties to facilitate this trade. Economists have come up with some theories, which Continue reading...

Introduction

Contemporary studies view parties as alliances of politicians whose ultimate objective is to win electoral office. Parties make promises on behalf of their candidates about what they will do if elected, and help improve chances of reelection for incumbents through their records of implementing their programs (Bawn et al. 571). It is plain to see how these parties might serve democracy. Citizens can give more effective direction to government by voting for a party instead of an individual. They create an incentive for responsible governance by holding an entire party rather than a single politician accountable for government actions ( Continue reading...

The evolution of human society passed through various different stages, the first being the family heads enjoying privileged positions extending to tribe heads, being equivalent to the head of the state. Hence, the final stage rested with a politically organized society having a full-fledged government machinery and authority. A study of world history is a roof of the fact that states have arisen at different times in different countries. Hobson defines the concept of state as: “State is a community of people, occupying a definite territory, organized under a government, which is supreme over all persons and associations within Continue reading...

The paper is written in order to educate the reader regarding the current Healthcare reform suggested by President Obama and it’s after effects on the employer. It is also an analysis of how special interest groups play a major role in the implementation of this reform.

Post World War II the US healthcare reform has set in motion the largest employer provided health benefits. The law embeds many new and radical social and economic incentives due to which employers will restructure the benefits in dramatic manner. The bill proposes many changes to ensure a fair and affordable healthcare Continue reading...

Question 1

Once the Bills have been prepared they are then presented to the committee. The committee convenes a series of stakeholder consultations to seek consensus and/or fill any gaps which will not have been addressed during the Line Ministry public consultations. The committee then convenes a roundtable over the draft Bill incorporating the participation of the AG, the KLRC, Line Ministries and any Institution involved in the generation of the Bill to finalize the Bill by making various amendments which will have been informed by the internal and external consultations. The committees are powerful so that they can operate without Continue reading...

Is American democracy working?

Democracy refers to rule by the people to the people and for the people particularly as the government either indirectly or directly through elected representatives (Skocpol and Morris 12). The voters usually end up supporting whom they perceive to offer the best promises at the moment, regardless of the long-term consequences to the nation. Voting, in other words, is a contest based on short-term rewards rather than long-term vision.
U.S is a country made up of fifty states. It is known as the world's superpower. Being that it is made up of many states; each state has a difference Continue reading...

This essay looks at various issues relating to the Brazilian Real, including its relationship with other currencies and financial mechanisms designed to maintain stability for the currency.
First of all, attention is focused on how the Real plan helped to combat hyperinflation from 1987 to 1997. During this 10 year period, Brazil saw a large part (40%) its Gross National Product (GNP) swallowed up by hyperinflation; thereby ensuring that only the basic essentials such as food and clothing were purchased, and cash or savings accounts were discarded due to the rapid decline in the purchasing power of the Real. Continue reading...

Terrorism

Since the September 11 attacks in 2001, the future complexion and definition of terrorism has become quite ambiguous for the public. In its early incarnations, terrorism was associated with the spread of fear for the sake of ideology without the mass genocide included. However, as the years progressed with the onset of various ideologies and changed political affiliations, some no longer know if the ongoing violence classified as terrorism is still ‘terrorism’ or just a plain warfare. This ambiguity has subsequently influenced how governments, such as the United States, in organizing their counter-terrorism strategies and now directed such strategies Continue reading...

The Galapagos Island: Darwin’s Description

The Galapagos Island is a cluster of volcanic islands situated in the Pacific Ocean. Charles Darwin explored the island after discovering local animal inhabitants. Darwin described the island as fields made up of basaltic lava. According to Darwin, the ground had various cracks or crevices, which led him to describe the island as ‘broken’. At first, Darwin believed the island was uninhabited due to limited vegetation but as he explored the island, he discovered its rich biodiversity (Nagle, 1999). The Galapagos Islands are “famed for their rich biodiversity and unique species of iguana, sharks, blue and red-footed boobies, penguins, Continue reading...

Question one: Discuss how and to what extent the U.S. Constitution governs and affects the intergovernmental relations in The United States of America. Discuss the tensions and conflicts between the levels of government
The Constitution of the United States of America indeed contemplates three tiers of government under the federal system. The federal system of governance is informed by the need to have different centers of power sharing governance of the same regions and persons. In that respect, it was essential for the Constitution to stipulate the relations between the government levels. The Constitution in as much as it Continue reading...

ABSTRACT

This paper examines some of the contemporary theory regarding rhetoric in the electronic age. It begins by considering the fate of English Departments faced with the much-vaunted ‘death of the book’, but quickly moves on to the weightier matters of the rhetoric of the visual and the consequent enfeeblement of rhetoric in the electronic age. It considers both the positive and negative impacts of digital media. It goes on to argue and eventually conclude that the deterioration of rhetoric (which it argues began before the digital revolution) and the homogeneity of the rhetoric of the visual is a deliberate Continue reading...