Rachel Bozek - The Political Elite and Special Interests

The Political Elite and
Special Interests

Other Books in the Current Controversies Series

The Border Wall with Mexico

Drones

Fracking

Genetic Engineering

Homelessness and Street Crime

LGBTQ Rights

Political Correctness

Privacy and Security in the Digital Age

Returning Soldiers and PTSD

The Political Elite and
Special Interests

Rachel Bozek, Book Editor

Published in 2018 by Greenhaven Publishing, LLC
353 3rd Avenue, Suite 255, New York, NY 10010

Copyright 2018 by Greenhaven Publishing, LLC

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

Articles in Greenhaven Publishing anthologies are often edited for length to meet page requirements. In addition, original titles of these works are changed to clearly present the main thesis and to explicitly indicate the authors opinion. Every effort is made to ensure that Greenhaven Publishing accurately reflects the original intent of the authors. Every effort has been made to trace the owners of the copyrighted material.

Cover image: Ted Soqui/Corbis via Getty Images

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Bozek, Rachel, editor.

Title: The political elite and special interests / edited by Rachel Bozek.

Description: New York: Greenhaven Publishing, 2018. | Series: Current controversies | Includes bibliographic references and index. | Audience: Grades 9-12.

Identifiers: LCCN ISBN 9781534501065 (library bound) | ISBN 9781534501058 (pbk.)

Subjects: LCSH: Pressure groups--United States. | Elite (Social sciences)--United States. | United States--Politics and government--21st century.

Classification: LCC JK1118.P65 2018 | DDC 322.430973--dc23

Manufactured in the United States of America

Website: http://greenhavenpublishing.com

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1: Are Special Interest Groups Beneficial to Democracy?

Overview: Interest Groups Are Multidimensional

Green Garage

Interest groups bring several benefits to the advocacy table. However, potential drawbacksand there are manycan easily detract from this as they come into play within their spheres of influence.

Yes: Special Interest Groups Are Beneficial to Democracy

Strong Backing Often Equals Efficacy

Michelle Leach

With the right financial and public support, advocacy groups can have a strong influence on outcomes in policy and legislation.

Unions Are Among the Few Groups Representing the Middle Class

David Madland and Danielle Corley

While many special interest groups provide upper class Americans with clear representation, unions are among the very few organizations accomplishing this for the middle class.

No: Special Interest Groups Are Not Beneficial to Democracy

Special Interest Groups Do Influence Policy

Stephane Wolton

How much sway do lobbying groups have? It is difficult to know for sure. Scholars may be failing to capture the full extent of the special interest groups influence.

Lobbying Has the Potential to Undermine Democratic Ideals

George Rennie

As in the United States, lobbying has seen an expansion in activity in Australia. While technically anyone can be a lobbyist, the system favors the powerful, whose money and connections get things done but may not serve the interests of the average citizen.

Chapter 2: Are Widespread Perceptions of the Political Elite Fair?

Overview: The Concept of Elitism Is Nuanced and Complicated

K. Arjun

There are plenty of grey areas within the concepts defining and surrounding the political elite and elitism. Defining this group and its role is not clear cut.

Yes: Widespread Perceptions of the Political Elite Are Fair

Political Elites Control Power Resources over the Masses

Luis Garrido Vergara

It is important to understand the importance of social distinction and the theories of power structure when examining the influence of political elites on social change.

Elites Are a Class, Not a Belief

Natalie Schmidt

There seems to be some confusion about using the term political elite as a blanket label for liberals. But that lazy shift in thinking does disservice to the problems with real political elitism.

No: Widespread Perceptions of the Political Elite Are Not Fair

The Caricature of the Liberal Metropolitan Elite Is Inaccurate

Ryan Shorthouse

Politicians like to use the elite as punching bags for the ordinary people. But thats just a tactic to pit one group against the other.

Metropolitan Elite Is a Lazy Misnomer

Michael Rundell

The term metropolitan elite is unfair and inaccurate. Worse, its turned into a convenient insult to throw at anyone who doesnt agree with ones views.

Chapter 3: Do Special Interest Groups Keep the Political Elite in Check?

Overview: Interest Groups and Elite Theories Explain the Driving Forces in Politics

The University of Toledo

Interest group theory is when many different interests compete to control government policy, and their conflicting interests balance each other out to provide good government. Elite theory suggests that a wealthy elite runs the United States.

Yes: The Special Interest Groups Keep the Political Elite in Check

Several Categories of Special Interest Groups Contribute to the Shape of American Politics

R. Allen Hays

There is a special interest group for almost everyone. No matter how specialized the concern, chances are you can find an organized group with a voice on the political stage.

The Policy Preferences of Special Interests Must Align with Those of the General Public

James Swift

According to one study, organized interest groups do not correlate with the political stances of the economic elite. But does this mean they serve the average citizen?

No: Special Interest Groups Do Not Keep the Political Elite in Check

The Interests of the Wealthy Dominate the Political System

Douglas J. Amy

Special interest groups are a primary problem within the US government. They have too much pull over politicians working to do right by the American public.

Money Is the Most Influential Factor in Elections

Rachel Alexander

Corporate contributions in politics are often left-leaning. Citizens United may be one of the best ways for the political right to keep up.

Chapter 4: Do Average Americans Have an Opportunity to Be Heard?

Overview: The Average American vs. the Political Elites

Martin Maximino

A major study uncovers some alarming truths about the influence of deep-pocketed donors on public policy in the United States.

Yes: Average Americans Have an Opportunity to Be Heard

Efforts to Foster Change, However Small, Can Make a Difference

Jennifer Earl

When it comes to being heard, any level of activismincluding slacktivism, or flash activism, can be effective. Voters must become engaged to feel a part of the possibility of change.