Question

Describe the resources that interest groups have. How do these resources influence the ability of interest groups to acquire what they want from the system? Respond to the argument that interest groups do a better job of achieving their goals than do political parties.

Answer 1

The primary resources that interest groups have are their members, credibility of the members and the interest group as a whole, and the ability of the interest group to raise money.

Interest groups use these resources to ensure that a policy is passed that is beneficial for the group. The resources present at the disposal of the interest groups provide them with the ability to pursue their advocacy role in an active manner. The advocacy role is materialized by information sharing function of the interest groups and the resources at the disposal of the interest groups helps in facilitating this function. Policy preferences can be pressed more aggressively using these resources.

I agree with the argument that interest groups do a better job of achieving their goals than do political parties. This is because of the context in which they function. Interest groups achieve their goals by influencing those people who are already in power. On the other hand political parties have to acquire power and this is a time consuming process. Another factor is the disposition of political parties when compared to that of interest groups. Political parties are more concerned about winning election while interest groups are more concerned with trying to get their policy position passed into law.