Are Interest Groups good or bad for democracy?

While Interest groups are often cast in a negative light, in general, they are good for democracy as they have many postives that outweigh the negatives. Interest Groups are individuals who organize together under a common goal. One noteable characteristic is that they do not seek office, but simply seek influence as they press the issues that are important to them.

The most influential ability interest groups have is the ability to lobby congress. Lobbyist for interest groups are able to give important policy information to members of congress. This fact is crucial to understanding the niche they play in Washington. As congressmen (and their staffs) live busy lives voting for different legislation all the time, there is not the ability to know or research all important information. Interest Groups come in as they are able to fill this gap because lobbyist are highly specialized in the subject they are pressing for. By providing networks and building close personal relationships, lobbyists are able to exert their influence on legislation. The concept of lobbying as a whole is important because while congressmen may or may not vote for the interest of the lobbyist, he is making a decision that is much more well informed than had he not met with him. Lobbyist can also perform task such as testifying before congress, emailing campaigns, writing letters/articles, and often times serving as a personal attorney to many congressmen.

A second reason why interest groups are important to democracy is because they mobilize public opinion. Interest Groups can get people involved through a varirty of different ways such as the following: Advertising, Grass Roots Campaigns, Protests (think SCLC in the 60's), PACs, Campaign Activism, and Initiatives and Referendums.

Interest Groups are vital to democracy for a variety of reasons. In sum, they make the government more accountable for its actions as they monitor government programs.While their voice is often heard through the public as they often times have huge bases of supporters (ex.NRA) , they wield much of their power through lobbying. As Ted Kennedy once said government wouldn't be anything without them.