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Interest Groups: Purpose and Origins

Interest Groups: Purpose and Origins. Consider : Are interest groups a positive or negative force in our democracy?. Chapter 9: Wilson AP Government and Politics. Homework: Read Wilson, Chapter 9 (227-235) and take notes

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Interest Groups: Purpose and Origins

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  1. Interest Groups: Purpose and Origins Consider: Are interest groups a positive or negative force in our democracy? Chapter 9: Wilson AP Government and Politics • Homework: • Read Wilson, Chapter 9 (227-235) and take notes • Read Woll, Chapter 5, “The Misplaced Obsession with PAC’s” (245-252)

  2. Why do interest groups exist? • First, the more cleavages, the more variety of interests that will exist. • We have many different lines along which we divide ourselves, and these make for a variety of interests and opinions. • It is inevitable; Madison said, “the latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man.” • Second, due to the separation of powers, plenty of places exist to plead one’s cause. • And more chances/places to influence policy, more organizations will seek to exercise that influence. • Third, weakness of political parties • Where parties are weak, interests operate directly on the government; where they are strong, interests work within the parties.

  3. The Problem with Interest Groups • What was “Madison’s Dilemma”, as outlined in the Federalist 10? • Why does Madison say that factions are detrimental to the public good? • Why is removing the causes of factions not possible, according to Madison? • What “remedy” does Madison propose to cure the effects of factions? • Explain Madison’s argument with regard to this remedy. • In your opinion, do factions (parties, interest groups) have a positive or negative effect on our democracy? Why or why not?

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