interesr group democeacy

Theme 1

Pluralism vs elitism

For 1

Pluralism

Variety of interest represented

-professional interest group AMA

-causal group sierra club

-esp important in US system in which permanent campaign feature HoR: over representation of groups with electoral power

Against elitism

-wealthy insider group

Chamber of commerce influence, rep 3M Business

-influence in Biden dropping climate policy in his initial build back better plan, amended passed Inflation reduction act 2022

-undemocratic influence: influence happen outside electoral scrutiny

-rep serve donors and lobbyists rather than electorate? Undermine rep accountability

Theme 2

Dem accountability, policy quality vs policy capture

For 2

-dem accountability

The citizens for ethics and responsibility in Washington CREW

-filed multiple freedom of information requests,lawsuit

-environmental defence fund EDF

against 2

Policy capture

-PhRMA in successfully lobbying against Medicare drug price negotiation programme (2022 inflation reduction act)

-372 M Lobbying fund 2022

Theme 3

Litigation process

For 3

-NAACP sustained legal efforts materials in landmark 1954 brown v board of education

-Dobbs v Jackson women’s health organisation 2022 140 amicus curiae brief submitted from both pro life Americans united for life, pro choice planned parenthood, ensure wider view considered in legal process

Protect rights by establishing legal precedent that bind every state and survive successive administration

Against 3

Undemocratic, highly politicised judicial appointment profess, dark money involvement in nomination of SC justices to president

-interest group view sc appointment as primary route to policy change than lobbying, bypassing legislative process itself bc SC ruling has biding impact shaping nationwide laws

-federalist society; recommend strict constructionist, originality view of constitution, vetting recommending Amy coney Barrett

-last piece needed to overturn roe v wade 1973

-unelected judges overturn will of majority (many believe some abortion protection under roe to be maintained)-undemocratic