According to the theory of pluralism, what role do interest groups play in shaping government policy? Does the theory assume that one set of interests dominates over others in this process?
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1. Explain that pluralism is based on the notion that government is heavily influenced by the demands of interest groups and that this interest group participation benefits democratic government.
2. Discuss the process by which groups compete with each other. Given that the political system is open, groups are able to form and compete with one another, and government decisions reflect the balance of competing interests.
3. Note that the theory does not assume that one set of interests is always dominant, nor does it assume that all groups participate equally. Rather, the political system isopen to all kinds of interests, with public sentiment being reasonably well represented in accordance with the activities of each group.
You might also like to view...
Plea bargaining is less attractive to defense attorneys as it does not allow them to make more money
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Public policy only occurs when a government takes action
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
Most members of Congress are
A. opposed to the seniority system. B. interested only in the work of the subcommittee on which they serve. C. controlled by special interest groups. D. more likely to side with local interests than national ones on narrow issues. E. more interested in oversight than in making laws.
The Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) in October 2008 was passed to ______.
a. bail out the auto industry b. bail out the credit card industry c. bail out financial institutions deemed “too big to fail” d. bail out the oil companies e. none of these