The Positives and Negatives of Interest Groups

    When looking at the American political system, one can point out many positives and negatives within the system.  One aspect of the American political system that has both positives and negatives are Interest Groups.
    When looking at interest groups, one can argue that they are either positive or negative.  One positive aspect of interest groups that is often discussed deals with the fact that they bring light to certain issues which would otherwise be ignored.  With minority issues facing the danger of being ignored, interest groups that address this issue help to bring attention to it.  By lobbying and donating money to influential candidates, interest groups that support minority issues have a chance to put government officials into office who will feel obligated to address and sympathize with the issue at hand.  Another positive aspect of interest groups has to do with preserving our Constitutional rights.  With gun violence increasing, many government officials sympathize with strong gun control bills.  Interest Groups such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), help to preserve our Constitutional rights by donating large sums of money to candidates who support our Constitutional right ro bear arms.

    Although there are postivie aspects around interest groups, I believe that interest groups are a negative aspect of American politics.  I believe that candidates should raise money and win spots in office based upon their views and appeals, unbiased to the views and beliefs of interest groups.  When candidates are elected into office with the help of interest groups, things that they originally supported may fall second to interest groups' views.  In order to feel like they properly pay back interest groups, newly elected government officials may disregard their original intents in office and fall victim to the views of political interest groups.