Interest Groups and Political Parties Discussion
Political parties are groups ofindividuals who attempt to influence government policy through theelection of their selected candidates. These candidates must answer thephilosophical question, “Who have I been elected to serve?” Should theirprimary loyalty be to the party that helped get them elected or to theconstituents they were elected to serve? At the same time, interestgroups seek to influence elected officials and, ultimately, publicpolicy. Interest groups are organizations of individuals with sharedgoals who try to influence public policy through, for example, lobbying,letter writing, grass roots campaigns, and endorsement of electedofficials for example. Common types of interest groups are economicgroups, social policy or ideologically based groups, public interestgroups, and labor unions.
To prepare for this Discussion
Reviewthe article, “Direct Democracy and Political Parties in America.”Consider the origins of direct democracy in America and how it hasaffected American political parties.
Review the article,”Challenges to the American Two-Party System: Evidence From the 1968,1980, 1992, and 1996 Presidential Elections.” Consider the stability ofthe two-party system in the United States. Think about how third partiescan affect elected officials and interest groups.
Review thearticle, “The Relationship Between Political Parties and InterestGroups: Explaining Patterns of PAC Contributions to Candidates forCongress” to explore how interest groups influence political parties.
Think about the influence of political parties on elected officials.
Consider the influence of interest groups.
With these thoughts in mind the assignment must be 1-1.5 pages and include:
Anexplanation of whether elected officials with a party affiliationshould be more loyal to their political party or the to constituentsthey are elected to serve.
Then explain the influence of interest groups on political parties and elections.
Resources will be provided and must be cited using APA format
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