Interest Groups Essay

IntroductionAs we all know thither argon types of congregations that are playing important role in the politics in the mechanism of governing body oddly in terms of closing making or legislative body. These groups are known as take Groups and Pressure Groups. basically engross group is defined as every collection of good deal organized to promote a goal they appoint or to resist some objective of the giving medication of other groups. It is in any case defined as an organized group that tries to crook the government decisions without place their members in governmental position. While pressure group is an amour group that exercises pressure on the government to obtain laws, policies & decisions compatible with their special disports. Basically pressure group is an use up group with higher degree of link in politics.In Malaysia, at that place are various types of come to groups in consecrate to obtain the rights for what they represent. cheer groups in Malaysia s uch National total for Teaching Profession (NUTP), The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil operate (CUEPACS), Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) aggregates and articulate randomness regarding to their respective have-to doe with in narrate to run the government decision establish on their interests. However, on that point are disadvantages for the existence of interest groups. This will be the of import belief of this assignment.Simplified Characteristics of Interest GroupsSimplified Functions of Interests Groups1. Mechanism for Political Representation- The interests of the mint are correspond in an organized way. It means that the people doesnt birth to investly go to the government but instead have interest groups to represent for them as the groups are established. It allows people to be involved in policy-making process without existence in a politica party for examples the NUTP, FOMCA and CUEPACS 2. go-between between the P ublic and the Government- This is a linkage function between the people and the government. The interest groups provide necessary breedings needed by both the people and the government 3. Interest Articulation (voice out the interests)- They voice out interests based on their interest groups and also voice out any interest of the public that is related to their interests 4. Influence the Government- This is the main function of the interest group. They order the decisions but have no intention to take over the government and makes sure that the government focuses on their interests. 5. Supplement Government Agencies(assist,enhance,help)- Conduct surveys and enquiry to provide information to the government which the results will help government to take away better public policies.Types of Interest Groups1. lost Group- separates from social norms, spontaneous (informal), a good deal involves violence 2. Associational Group- formal, distinct and established, effective procedures, a ctive participants in political process. 3. Non- Associational Group- non formal, has same characteristics & interests, reflect social/ethnic/ pagan/religious interests 4. Institutional Group- exists within the government, highly involved in political & social activities, lobby from within the government.Simplified Methods of Gaining InfluenceThe Demerits or The Disadvantages of Interest Groups* There are various demerits of interests group if it is not well managed and observed. 1. just close to of the systems used to gain influence hobo lead to negative set up -Methods like Bargaining can lead to dark effects because it is similar to lobbying whereby the public policy is influenced directly. It also invloves secret negotiations which is usually related to the home(a) budget. When this happens and if not observed armorial bearingfully, the allocation of the cash can be wrongfully distributed. If it happens, the interest groups whitethorn misuse the allocation given and t he people they represented MAY NOT be included or the money wont be used for the better of the people they represent. -Another risky method is the method Propaganda. In propaganda the usage of mass media and other methods to spread information to the public is on a massive scale. If the information or knowingness spread by the interest group is false or with unsung agenda, it may cause the people to be wrongly influenced or missunderstanding of the government policy. The people may retaliate for no legitimate reason which may cause damage to a peaceful nation. -Other than that, other methods like direct method like boycotts, demonstrations and strikes may cause commotion. This types of influencing methods are prone to be violent regardless of which party initiate violence first. -Indirect methods like being a member of parliament which is also a member of interest group may misuse his/her power in order to influence the governmernt decision. The member of interest group is a spou se to a administrative official may also lead to the misuse of power in order to influence the government decision. For example if a bureaucrat has a wife who is in an interest group, the potential of the husband to listen to every bay to his wife relating to her interest group is very high. Not completely that, it can be a bad thing too if a retired bureaucrats who wed NGO or other groups that have connection with junior bureaucrats whereby the juniors may listen to every request of their seniors. The juniors may provide confidential information of government policies to the retired bureaucrats. -Methods like illegalities may also be used especially in desperate times. Illegalities ranges from extortions, bribery, arson, blackmail and many more than.2. The existence of certain types of interest groups can produce adverse effects. -The existence of an interest groups like Anomic Groups which derived from the word Anomie meaning separation from social norms. Thisgroup is not a formal group. Usually it comes from dissatis incidention of the people. When this happens, it usually involves violence. This type of group may produce protests, racial riots and so on in order for their interest to be graded.3. Biased-Interest groups can be considered biased because they are only prioritizing their interest or interests related to them. They do not really foreboding about other interest of the people as a wholly and care about better policy for the people genereally. They just prioritize their interests. Information provided is one-sided.4. One Track-Mind (Runs Undemocratically)-The interests groups usually do not care about others interest and opininons. They also refuse to listen or to take care of other interest. They consider other interests or opinions are wrong. They do not let what others have to say or wants if it is contradict to their core interests.5. Pluralism (as in United States)-Critics of pluralism con guide that there is no such thing as the com mon good because there are so many impertinent interests in society What is good for one person is often bad for others. They surround that the interest groups interfere with democracy because they seek benefits for a nonage of people rather than the greater good of the majority. The National Rifle Association, for example, has repeatedly blocked new gun control legislation despite the fact that a majority of Americans actually want stricter gun laws. Other critics argue that the interest group system is really effective only to scotch interest groups, which have greater financial resources at their disposal. Nearly two-thirds of lobbyists in Washington represent economic groups. Critics also argue that interest groups tend to ignore the interests of the poor in favor of middle- and upper-class Americans, who have more time and money to contribute6. Corruption-Corruption takes place in the interest groups whereby the bribery is donebetween the interest groups and the interest pro vider (policy makers/government). In corruption, the bribery can be in many forms such as gifts and money. The bribery is performed in order for their interests being implemented. The irresponsible authority personnels will accept the bribery and in return the interest of the interests groups will be prioritized.7. Influenced by wealth-This can be explained by the more money or fund the interest groups has, the more tendency of their interests being prioritized is higher. inductionInterest group is basically an organized group of people that tries to influence the government without being in the governmental positions. Various methods can be or are being used in order for their main objective which is to influence the government in order to get their interests priotized. But, there are negative side which is the demerits to the interests groups. Bottomline is, interest groups has it own merits and demerits in order for it to function as an interest group. The demerits can be abolish ed with becoming procedures and proper preventive measures. If not the interest groups may be useless.Resources1. 90% of this mental object is study, aggregate and filtered from the notes made by Sir Fairuz Hidayat PAD170 Chapter 6 notes. 2. Another 10% is scouted, filtered, studied from the internet. 3. http//www.sparknotes.com/us-government-and-politics/american-government/interest-groups/section5.rhtml 4. http//answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110412030051AAPzyYE 5. https//www.google.com/q=disadvantages+of+interest+groups