Chapter 8: Interest Groups

1. From figure 8.1 in the text, select one of the interest groups and do some research on their issues and beliefs.  What did you learn?  What did you find interesting?  Do you agree/disagree with their positions on issues? Why?

I chose to research the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Some current campaigns that the group is pursuing include: Learning is More (restoring balance to public education), Making a Difference Every Day (highlighting the vital work of AFT members), Building Minds, Minding Buildings (promoting green schools), and AFT FACE (reversing the staffing crisis in higher education. One thing I found interesting is that the AFT is putting forth the effort to restore balance to public education. They believe that the growing fixation on high-stakes testing is damaging the effort to improve schools. I am so glad they are attempting to bring more attention to this issue because I agree that focusing nearly every part of the curriculum around a standardized test takes a lot of important factors out of education. This group does not only focus on teachers but others, such as healthcare workers, in the school system, which I think is awesome because they often go unrecognized even though they make a big difference.

 

2. Find an interest group with which you associate (positively).  What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive about their position on issues?

I chose the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) because both my father and my grandfather worked in mines. UMWA has a diverse membership including coal miners, clean coal technicians, health care workers, truck drivers, manufacturing workers, and public employees throughout the United States and Canada. The UMWA is achieving significant success in providing workers with a voice on the job and financial security at home. They are also continuing their fight for safe workplaces, good wages and benefits and fair representation in workplaces throughout North America. The UMWA provides Health and Retirement funds, pensions and medical care to 100,000 retired miners, widows and dependents. I think it is so good that these companies provide funds and healthcare to these workers because the mines not only a dangerous place to be in, but health problems contracted in the mines follow workers for the rest of their lives.

 

3. Do interest groups have enough/too much/the right amount of power in the political system?  Most believe it's a fine-line balance between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of government.  Where is that line and when is it crossed?

Interest groups provide information to their members, the media, government officials, and the general public. Interest groups are a lot like the different types of media that were discussed in chapter 7, because they help to serve as a watchdog over our government. Most of the time I believe groups stay within their means and do a great job at expressing their opinions without going overboard. There are, however, groups who go beyond the barrier and get out of control. As long as a group can state and fight for their beliefs in a civilized way, I believe it is okay.