There are three major theories about interest groups- pluralist, elite, and hyperpluralist. Select one theory and explain why you agree or disagree with that theory.
The elite class theory states that societies are divided by class and the elite class rules all regardless of government necessities, I don't think this theory can happen in an American democracy because of checks and balances and because of the direct representation of the people in government. So, I don't agree with the theory and I don't think it would be an effective form of government.
I also disagree with the elite class theory. I don't think that our country would work well with this theory, it wouldn't represent the people of our country equally and power would be unevenly distributed among the classes. The United States is a country based on the principles of freedom and equality, this theory would not support the principles that our country respects and derives from.
While I agree that the elite and class theory is an ineffective and unfair way for the government to be run, I feel that it is most definitely present in today’s society. Our nation’s wealth is owned by about one percent of the wealthiest part of our population. Many demographics are grossly underrepresented by the government and crooked political system. Basically, the only demographic of Americans that is being represented includes older, wealthier, more educated, white males; in fact, this demographic is over-represented.
According to page 333 of the Edward’s textbook, the hyperpluralist theory states that contending groups are so strong that the government is actually weakened. While I disagree with the theory and its details, I feel that it does not mean that this theory is not present in today’s political system. It seems as though the government is notorious for not getting things done; political gridlock is a painful trend. The government and politicians are too eager to please each individual group that it has too many policies put in place. Often, these policies may contradict each other, sending experts back to the drawing board looking for a new solution or compromise. Programs, policies and costs are constantly multiplying, sending debt through the roof even more.
I agree most with the pluralist theory of interest groups. According to the Edwards book, pluralist theory is the idea that there are many different interest groups in government with different ideas, each one pressing for their own preferred policy. Having many groups putting in input on new policy, many ideas are out on the table and many different voices are represented in the government. The pluralist theory forces compromise, which allows everyone to get something out of new policy, and is the most democratic. Minorities can gain ground by forming interest groups and contending in this fight for a say in politics. I believe pluralist theory is the best because it is most democratic, unlike the elite and class theory which unequally distributes power, and allows the "elite" to run the government, while pluralist theory says everyone gets a say and compromise is forced with so many contending interests.
I also agree with the pluralist theory of interest groups. The pluralist theory has a group theory of politics which has several arguments about the pluralist theory. First, the group theory of politics states that groups provide a key link between people and government. I think that this is very true in today’s government. Linkage institutions link the people to the government and are able to influence the political agenda to feature things that the American people are concerned about. The second argument is the theory is that groups compete. This is very evident in America today. Many group vie for power to get legislation passed on certain issues. Businesses, consumers, environmentalists and many other groups try to get their voices heard by Congress. The third part of the theory states that no one group is likely to become too powerful and I think this is true. In America today, the makeup of the government is constantly changing from Democratic to Republican. Elections are constantly determining which group is in power. The fourth point of the of the argument says that groups usually play by the rules of the game. I think that this is true. Groups rarely lie, cheat steal, or use violence to convince others of their opinions. Finally, the fifth point in the argument states that groups weak in one resource can use another. I also agree with this. Large corporations have lots of money but labor has large numbers of people. All groups are able to use their advantages to influence government. (Edwards 334).
I disagree with Bryce, i agree with the elite class theory. Even though we have checks and balances to keep our democracy as diverse as possible, I still believe that the richest people rule the country. The more money you have, the more campaign money you have. You also can buy votes with your money.
The elite class theory states that societies are divided by class and the elite class rules all regardless of government necessities, I don't think this theory can happen in an American democracy because of checks and balances and because of the direct representation of the people in government. So, I don't agree with the theory and I don't think it would be an effective form of government.
ReplyDeleteI also disagree with the elite class theory. I don't think that our country would work well with this theory, it wouldn't represent the people of our country equally and power would be unevenly distributed among the classes. The United States is a country based on the principles of freedom and equality, this theory would not support the principles that our country respects and derives from.
DeleteWhile I agree that the elite and class theory is an ineffective and unfair way for the government to be run, I feel that it is most definitely present in today’s society. Our nation’s wealth is owned by about one percent of the wealthiest part of our population. Many demographics are grossly underrepresented by the government and crooked political system. Basically, the only demographic of Americans that is being represented includes older, wealthier, more educated, white males; in fact, this demographic is over-represented.
DeleteAccording to page 333 of the Edward’s textbook, the hyperpluralist theory states that contending groups are so strong that the government is actually weakened. While I disagree with the theory and its details, I feel that it does not mean that this theory is not present in today’s political system. It seems as though the government is notorious for not getting things done; political gridlock is a painful trend. The government and politicians are too eager to please each individual group that it has too many policies put in place. Often, these policies may contradict each other, sending experts back to the drawing board looking for a new solution or compromise. Programs, policies and costs are constantly multiplying, sending debt through the roof even more.
ReplyDeleteI agree most with the pluralist theory of interest groups. According to the Edwards book, pluralist theory is the idea that there are many different interest groups in government with different ideas, each one pressing for their own preferred policy. Having many groups putting in input on new policy, many ideas are out on the table and many different voices are represented in the government. The pluralist theory forces compromise, which allows everyone to get something out of new policy, and is the most democratic. Minorities can gain ground by forming interest groups and contending in this fight for a say in politics. I believe pluralist theory is the best because it is most democratic, unlike the elite and class theory which unequally distributes power, and allows the "elite" to run the government, while pluralist theory says everyone gets a say and compromise is forced with so many contending interests.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the pluralist theory of interest groups. The pluralist theory has a group theory of politics which has several arguments about the pluralist theory. First, the group theory of politics states that groups provide a key link between people and government. I think that this is very true in today’s government. Linkage institutions link the people to the government and are able to influence the political agenda to feature things that the American people are concerned about. The second argument is the theory is that groups compete. This is very evident in America today. Many group vie for power to get legislation passed on certain issues. Businesses, consumers, environmentalists and many other groups try to get their voices heard by Congress. The third part of the theory states that no one group is likely to become too powerful and I think this is true. In America today, the makeup of the government is constantly changing from Democratic to Republican. Elections are constantly determining which group is in power. The fourth point of the of the argument says that groups usually play by the rules of the game. I think that this is true. Groups rarely lie, cheat steal, or use violence to convince others of their opinions. Finally, the fifth point in the argument states that groups weak in one resource can use another. I also agree with this. Large corporations have lots of money but labor has large numbers of people. All groups are able to use their advantages to influence government. (Edwards 334).
DeleteMy sources for my comment were the Edwards book and auburn.edu
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Bryce, i agree with the elite class theory. Even though we have checks and balances to keep our democracy as diverse as possible, I still believe that the richest people rule the country. The more money you have, the more campaign money you have. You also can buy votes with your money.
ReplyDelete