Overview for American Politics Unit 3C – Representative Processes in the USA: Pressure groups

The porous nature of the US electoral and political system invites the concept of pluralism; pressure groups being a fundamental pillar of the political system. The prominence of groups in each branch of federal government illustrates the both the demand and need for pressure groups – in the form of amicus curaie briefs, lobbying for congressional votes and even the support and approval of federal nominations to the federal bureaucracy and the Supreme Court. Pressure groups assist when dealing with the most contentious issues in American politics; through the system of initiatives and propositions. For instance, the Schuette v. BAMN decision illustrates the bringing to the attention of the use of affirmative action in education selection in Michigan.

Yet many point to pressure groups as being elitist in nature – the rise of SuperPACs giving unprecedented levels of campaign finance to election candidates, enhancing the pay to play nature of American politics. The unlimited money supply, enhanced by an entire street filled with lobbying firms (K Street), it becomes far too easy for pressure groups to influence federal government.

Obstructionist techniques and mechanisms have been implemented in recent years to prevent the growth of pressure groups through provisions such as the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, limiting the revolving door syndrome that too quickly established itself. This has failed to slam shut the revolving door – for instance, Senator Jim DeMint walked straight out of his congressional seat into the Presidential seat of the Heritage Foundation.

Pressure groups pose as alternatives to political parties; further reaffirming that the Party is Over.