AboutAustin C. Moore Expertise I can answer any questions related to the political processes and political philosophy. My expertise is in political party organizations, political campaigns, running for office, voting, elections and electoral processes, and constituent services.
Experience I have served as a Voter Ambassador for the West Virginia Secretary of State, as a special levy Election Commissioner for Kanawha County. Also, I have been a Republican Nominee for the West Virginia House of Delegates. I also engage in political consulting and lobbying.
Organizations Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society)
Education/Credentials I intend to pursue my doctorate in political science.
Expert: Austin C. Moore Date: 3/28/2007 Subject: Interest Groups and Equality
Question I was doing some reading in my college course about interest groups and i have a debate coming up. I'm allowed to use any kind of sources to help present my case and my argument is that "America is becoming more equal" and I have to somehow tie in how INTEREST GROUPs help promote democracy and promote equality.
I was wondering if you could give me your point of view about the positives and negatives of interest groups in the US political realm. How do they help the people and the government? How do they promote democracy? How do they promote equality?
I'm aware that interest groups are often led by rich, educated people that have the time and money to give to interest groups that lobby....I'm pretty sure that my opposing side will bring this up....I'm curious as to how I can respond to this and make interest groups look like a positive contribution to US politics. Also, if you have any knowledge about international governments and how they deal with interest groups, if they have any at all.
Any knowledge would be very helpful.
Thanks for your help and advice!
Answer I appreciate your question and I will provide some fundamental points you can articulate to support interest groups and provide a rebuttal for your opponent’s argument.
Interest groups serve to promote and protect the interests of society. As a whole, interests groups are essential in a democratic society. People must assemble and organize their political beliefs and mobilize them, so Congress (or another government organ) can address them. Individual citizens are easily ignored by Congress, so they must organize to have influence. Without interest groups Congress would have less accountability to the electorate. Interest groups perpetuate democracy and inhibit despotic legislative actions.
Some interest groups abuse their influence and position by “buying” politicians. Is it the fault of the politician or the interest group? Is there dual responsibility? The interest groups should not be offering bribes AND the politicians should not accept them. It takes two to Tango. It’s a transaction where you must have a seller and buyer. We should not support interest groups who act unlawfully. Simply because a few interest groups operate illegally can we brand all interest groups as malevolent and unnecessary?
In an Authoritarian society who controls and dominates political interests? The answer is one dominant political party and perhaps a “token” opposition party. There are no permissible interest groups operating. Not being permitted to organize political interests and form coalitions such as a special interest group is the trademark of a totalitarian society, not a democratic society. Democracies require popular participation, organization, ideas, mobilization, and this means special interest groups. I believe this should be your strongest point. This can also serve as your rebuttal for your opponent’s strongest contention. You can elaborate on this while using it as your philosophical framework.
Yes, interest groups benefit the rich. Consequently, interest groups ALSO benefit the impoverished. The largest interest group in the U.S. is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Most of these members are not rich. They usually are reliant upon Social Security and Medicare benefits to survive. AARP is the most influential lobbying organization on Capitol Hill and in most state legislatures. This organization represents senior citizens, most of whom are just above poverty level. Do interest groups help the poor? Yes. This is the perfect example. This group advocated for more health benefits and retirement benefits to help retired and retiring persons who are poor and cannot afford these services. Why do less rich people belong to AARP? Because these people can already afford healthcare and have pensions to cover their retirement. They are not dependent upon Medicare assistance and Social Security payments.
Democracy is accessible to all but entrusted to the majority (the wealthy and educated) to protect the interests of the less fortunate. This is our American democratic ideal. Wealth and education should not be chastised. It is the ability of every American who has the commitment to attain, so they can fulfill their American dream. Every American has the ability to become rich and educated. But it is the social responsibility of the affluent and educated to ensure the poor have these opportunities.
Do not deny that interest groups benefit the rich. Use it to your advantage. Yes, many corporations and large organizations that are affluent lobby Congress through their special interests. This is undeniable. If these multinational corporations lobby Congress for tax incentives and other advantages who does this benefit? YOU! That’s right, when the rich lobbies Congress it actually helps you. If multinational corporations lobby Congress for tax breaks, then they are provided with more revenue that enables them to hire more employees and contract services through other firms and corporations. It serves as an economic stimulus. Lobbying by the affluent serves the interests of the poor.
I don’t necessarily and personally submit to all of these political views, but they are certainly beneficial to your argument in this debate. I hope you find my response helpful and informative. I invite you to write me again.
