Question

Why has there been a proliferation of interest groups in the United States? What have been the effects on the political process? What are some of the historical reasons for the proliferation of interest groups during the 1930s and the 1960s?

Answer 1

Proliferation of interest groups in the US was firstly due to the excessive involvement of government in the lives of US citizens. With a rise in government involvement, more and more interest groups came into existence to lobby against this government intervention and ascertain future course of action based on the prevailing issues. To ensure pressure creation related to our want on the government ,there was a need for large number pf public interest groups.

Secondly, with a variety of population, i.e. with varying cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds and political stance, there were varied problems faced by them. So, all these groups, in order to tackle there problems resorted to interest groups formation. Hence an increase their number.

Further people also looked for happiness and felt being a part of groups of like-minded people might be of help.

With already a decline in the political parties, and their restructuring to becoming less rigid, it helped in the proliferation of interest groups during the 1930s and the 1960s.For example : The republican party started targeted the wealthier parts of society, businessman, farmers, etc for support during the 1940s. So, the focus changed from citizens as a whole to a bunch of citizens. Citizens felt left out and thus formed interest groups.

The effect of interest groups came to be immense on the government and the political process. Middle class with their rising incomes and expectations sought more participation in the political processes. Moreover nobody wanted to budge on their demands. Therefore, the political power got transferred from the political parties to the Individual Congressmen.