Introduction
Three topics in POLS 2301 have stuck out to me as exciting and educational this semester, and they have significantly impacted how I see American politics and governance. First and foremost, studying federalism gave me new perspectives on the complex relationship between the federal government and the states, revealing the dynamic interactions that influence governance and policy implementation. The second topic, which examined political parties, clarified their impact on voting behavior and policy decisions, shedding light on their significant influence in determining the political landscape. Finally, exploring the intricacies of interest groups revealed how these organizations impact laws and policies. These subjects have not only helped me understand American politics better, but they have also highlighted how important and relevant they are now. The following sections of this paper will go into greater detail about this problem, looking at its causes and effects and offering a well-considered remedy to deal with the difficulties brought on by interest groups’ excessive influence in the American political system.
Federalism
While exploring the complex workings of federalism, a fundamental idea that clarifies the division of powers between the federal government and the several states in the U.S. came to light. As discussed in POLS 231, federalism captures the spirit of cooperative governance while preserving a precarious balance between the federal and state governments. Dr. James Madison, a key player in creating the U.S. Constitution, claims that federalism promotes a system where every level of government maintains separate duties and powers, checking the concentration of power (Library of Congress). This idea was eloquently illustrated in the famous McCulloch v. Maryland case, in which the Supreme Court upheld the primacy of federal law above state law, establishing the legitimacy of the federal government (Oyez).
Furthermore, federalism is being used in modern politics, particularly when it comes to matters like healthcare and marijuana legalization. The federal government established universal healthcare standards under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but states were free to create and run their health insurance markets. This is an example of how federal and state powers interact. In a similar vein, the federalist approach is demonstrated by the legalization of marijuana in several states, where states retain the authority to create laws that represent their interests and sentiments. State-by-state variations in marijuana regulations highlight the federalist system’s inherent flexibility.
Comprehending federalism is essential to appreciate the intricacies of American governance since it influences both the legislative structure and the day-to-day implementation of laws that impact citizens. A sophisticated understanding of the historical background and current consequences of federalism in forming the political landscape of the United States is made possible by the knowledge acquired in this field (Shankman). Understanding federalism gives people the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate policy solutions at the federal and state levels as the country confronts modern issues like environmental concerns and public health crises. Federalism acts as a prism through which the public can interact with the political system and understand the complex balance of powers that characterizes the American political system and its practical applications.
Political parties
A basic comprehension of political parties’ function in forming the political environment in the United States emerged from their study of them. Political parties are dynamic organizations that significantly impact voter participation and policy decisions. As a bridge between the people and the government, political parties organize support and set the political agenda. Political parties are essential because they help people make easier political decisions, which makes the electoral process easier to understand. Kennedy et al. illustrate the practical ramifications of this topic area using examples from real-world organizations like the Democratic and Republican parties. These parties interact constantly with their different platforms and philosophies to shape public opinion and direct policy direction. Political parties play a significant role in state, local, and national elections, demonstrating their widespread influence at all levels of government.
Interest Groups
Regarding the investigation of interest groups, the course materials provide a thorough grasp of how these organizations impact the political process. Views on interest groups as policy communities clarify their function as essential actors in the policymaking process, promoting specific policy goals. The complex web of interest group activity is visible regarding matters like environmental policy when organizations that support corporate or conservation interests maneuver the political system to influence legislation. The course has taught me the tactics used by interest groups to sway policymakers through scholarly insights and practical examples, ranging from lobbying efforts to public advocacy campaigns.
As I investigated the various ways in which these organizations affect the political environment, my comprehension grew. The course materials shed light on the intricate ties between interest groups and the government by drawing on Dr. David B. Truman’s pluralist theory, which holds that interest groups represent various social interests and contribute to policymaking (Young). Interest groups have tangible effects on policy, as seen in the case of gun restriction, where groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) have a significant impact on debate and decision-making. Navigating the complexities of policymaking requires understanding interest group dynamics since these organizations’ actions influence the creation and application of laws that serve particular social interests.
Discussion and Description of the Political Problem:
Political parties’ ability to act as a middleman between the people and the government is undermined since interest groups have the power to persuade parties away from their primary duty of compiling and expressing the views of the majority of the populace. The fact that interest group influence is not dispersed equally exacerbates the issue. Based on empirical evidence, some interest groups have greater access to legislators than others because of their financial resources. According to research in the Journal of Politics, groups with higher financial means typically engage directly and frequently with legislators, which may allow them to influence policy outcomes to suit their agendas (Baumgartner). This empirical data emphasizes how interest groups affect policy decisions and perhaps skew the democratic process.
Furthermore, as federalism creates a framework for governance where power is spread to prevent the consolidation of authority, this issue is relevant to the course material. The fine balance envisioned by federalism is upset when interest groups wield undue power, which may result in laws that favor particular groups over the general public. The course discusses how the excessive influence of interest groups on party platforms and policy agendas undermines the legitimacy of political parties.
Proposed Solutions
Implementing comprehensive campaign finance reform is a comprehensive answer to the highlighted problem of undue interest group influence on the policymaking process within federalism and political parties (Shankman). Policymakers can lessen the disproportionate impact of well-funded interest groups by enacting strict limitations on political contributions and lobbying expenses. Historical statistics from the “Center for Responsive Politics” highlight the necessity for these reforms, which shows a steady rise in lobbying and campaign spending over time to previously unheard-of levels. Contribution caps, more campaign finance transparency, and publicly supported elections are some ways to level the playing field and guarantee that the public’s varied interests, not the wealthy interests of a few, influence political decisions.
Works Cited
Baumgartner, Frank. Lobbying and Policy Change: Who Wins, Who Loses, and Why. University of Chicago Press, 2019, fbaum.unc.edu/books/lobby/Advocacy_July_19_2008.pdf. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.
Kennedy, John, et al. “The Canada-US Relationship: An Updated Evaluation of Public Opinion.” American Review of Canadian Studies, vol. 50, no. 1, Jan. 2020, pp. 9–31, https://doi.org/10.1080/02722011.2020.1748924. Accessed 1 Dec. 2020.
Library of Congress. “The Federalist Papers: Primary Documents in American History.” Loc.gov, 2019, guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text.
Oyez. “McCulloch v. Maryland.” Oyez, 2019, www.oyez.org/cases/1789-1850/17us316.
Shankman, Andrew. “Toward a Social History of Federalism: The State and Capitalism to and from the American Revolution.” Journal of the Early Republic, vol. 37, no. 4, 2017, pp. 615–53, https://doi.org/10.1353/jer.2017.0066. Accessed 29 Aug. 2020.
Young, Roland. “TRUMAN, DAVID B. The Governmental Process: Political Interests and Public Opinion. Pp. Xvi, 544, Xv. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1951. $5.00 Text Edition.” The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 278, no. 1, Nov. 1951, pp. 200–1, https://doi.org/10.1177/000271625127800132.
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