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  • Essay / The Roles of Interest Groups in Society

    The Importance of Interest Groups Interest groups often appeal to federal, state, and local government in an effort to express their preference. They generally contact elected officials, their collaborators and bureaucrats face to face in order to resolve a particular problem. Interest groups sometimes create episodic encounters with government when they come together to pursue a common goal. This essay illustrates the usefulness of interest groups in a nation's politics, even more so after democratic elections. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay First, interest groups are important because they are organized to influence government decisions in favor of the rights of the people. Organized groups, which carefully follow particular agendas, make up the majority of the government's decision-making team. For example, in the history of American politics, corporations have been successful in passing pension legislation, which has been a great relief to Americans. They managed to reduce the amount they had to contribute to their employees' pension funds. (Lowi, Ginsberg, and Shepsle 395) Interest groups remind the citizens of a nation of the existence of freedom. Organized groups often display their freedom of expression, allowing those who ignore the law to acquire knowledge. Interest groups prove to the government the difference between power and freedom. The existence of these groups therefore aims to strengthen freedom of expression. Interest groups are useful in strengthening democracy in a nation. Because of their sheer numbers in a country, they pay dues, attend occasional meetings, and represent the interests of large numbers of people. By encouraging political participation, organized groups have always and can continue to strengthen democracy. Organized groups educate their members about issues that affect their daily lives. They pressure members of the executive branch and Congress and take legal action to protect their members. Interest groups generally represent their members in the political arena and defend their rights. Before the elections, they inform their members of the importance of voting and mobilize them for the elections. Through their efforts on the ground, they encourage political participation and strengthen democracy. Scheduled groups also monitor government programs to ensure that government programs do not harm their members. (Lowi, Ginsberg, and Shepsle 397) The organizational component of interest groups is essential for increasing investment among members. Individuals are encouraged by their leaders to invest their time, money and effort in interest groups in most interest groups and membership associations are formed where members serve on committees and engage in projects. Developed membership organizations help members develop an investment-oriented mindset. Members can participate in serious personal affairs using ideas obtained from the interest group; thus changing their way of life. In addition to promoting and sharing political goals, interest groups can provide their members with informational and material benefits. Informational benefits can be in the form of newsletters, conferences, training and periodicals so that they use them to attract others to join. Members may also be offered benefits..