Interest Group Influence & Impact on Democracy

Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 16.8.2

Interest Group Influence on the Branches of Government

Interest groups aim to influence the three branches of government: the executive, legislature and judiciary.

Pressure groups aim to have a strong relationship with the executive, including government departments and agencies.
Pressure groups seek to influence the government’s regulatory work which impacts on the group’s interests, including regulations over business transport and the environment.

Pressure groups aim to influence how members of Congress vote on issues.
Pressure groups lobby politicians and committees in Congress directly contacting them to influence ongoing legislation.
Lobbyists can build strong working relationships with committee members as congressional committees are small.
The NRA lobbied Congress politicians over the 1993 Brady Bill and to vote against laws requiring more background checks on gun buyers.

Pressure groups look to influence the way Congress votes by publicising politician’s voting records on issues.
The NRA publishes how members of the House and Senate have voted on gun reform legislation, and chooses to endorse those who regularly oppose stricter gun laws.

Pressure groups actively support or oppose nominations to the Supreme Court depending on the judge's stance on key issues.
Pressure groups aim to influence the Supreme Court by offering amicus curiae briefings to the court where they present their views on certain issues.
The NRA played an important role in the 2008 District of Columbia v Heller case which ruled against bans on handguns.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) brought a case themselves to court in the 2005 McCreary v ACLU case.

Interest groups have an important role in American democracy; however, the significant power of pressure groups arguably undermines democracy.

Interest groups provide important information to lawmakers, including the government and members of Congress, to assist with formulating public policy.
Interest groups offer the chance for political participation in American politics in between elections.
Interest groups represent the views of minority groups in American society who are not as well represented by political parties.
The American Association of Retired Persons represents the interests of people aged over 50.

Interest groups undermine democracy by supporting the interests of a small group over the national interest, such as the National Association for Hispanic Health.
There are inequalities of power in policy debates on issues such as gun control and health care, with some pressure groups more powerful than others.
The NRA is a more powerful pressure group in favour of gun rights than Handgun Control Inc., which advocates stricter gun control.
Interest groups are often elitist and unaccountable.

Interest groups can use direct action as a protest method, which can sometimes be violent.
Black Lives Matter protests in St Louis became violent after a court acquitted a police officer over the shooting of a Black citizen.